GNR vs. XLB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GNR (SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF) and XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GNR is a Natural Resources fund tracking the S&P Global Natural Resources Index, while XLB is a Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GNR returned 10.31%/yr vs 10.44%/yr for XLB. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GNR charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLB.

Performance

GNR vs. XLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GNR achieves a 10.87% return, which is significantly lower than XLB's 13.09% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with GNR having a 10.31% annualized return and XLB not far ahead at 10.44%.

GNR

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: -6.62%
• YTD: 10.87%
• 6M: 10.38%
• 1Y: 29.22%
• 3Y*: 12.75%
• 5Y*: 8.78%
• 10Y*: 10.31%

XLB

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: 1.53%
• YTD: 13.09%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 19.16%
• 3Y*: 10.60%
• 5Y*: 6.47%
• 10Y*: 10.44%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GNR vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	10.87%	28.68%	-8.27%	2.95%	10.20%	24.73%	-0.03%	16.49%	-13.19%	22.64%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	13.09%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%

Correlation

The correlation between GNR and XLB is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2010	0.80

The correlation between GNR and XLB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.72 to 0.80 - a consistent structural relationship.

GNR vs. XLB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GNR	XLB
Basic Materials	52.1%	87.3%
Energy	35.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	12.7%
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	-
Real Estate	0.8%	-
Industrials	0.2%	1.5%
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

GNR vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GNR

GNR Risk / Return Rank: 57
GNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
GNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
GNR Omega Ratio Rank: 50
GNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
GNR Martin Ratio Rank: 69

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 31
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 29
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GNR vs. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	GNR	XLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	1.10	+0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.24	1.64	+0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.19	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.19	1.55	+1.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.20	4.73	+7.47

GNR vs. XLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GNR Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is higher than the XLB Sharpe Ratio of 1.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GNR and XLB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GNR vs. XLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GNR drawdown since its inception was -51.37%, smaller than the maximum XLB drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GNR and XLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	GNR	XLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.37%	-59.83%	+8.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.20%	-12.38%	+3.18%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.15%	-23.17%	+2.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.66%	-24.72%	-0.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.59%	-37.27%	-11.32%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.20%	-4.35%	-4.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.92%	-10.82%	-4.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.40%	4.06%	-1.66%

Volatility

GNR vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) have volatilities of 5.94% and 6.15%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GNR	XLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.94%	6.15%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.11%	13.64%	+0.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.32%	17.51%	-0.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.28%	19.02%	+1.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.82%	20.67%	+1.15%

GNR vs. XLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

GNR has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLB's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

GNR vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison

GNR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, more than XLB's 1.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	2.68%	2.76%	4.73%	3.37%	4.37%	3.44%	2.78%	3.84%	3.51%	2.40%	2.06%	4.59%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.67%	1.92%	1.92%	2.00%	2.26%	1.62%	1.72%	1.98%	2.20%	1.66%	1.95%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GNR and XLB in my portfolio?

GNR and XLB have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GNR or XLB?

XLB has higher volatility (6.15%) compared to GNR (5.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GNR dropped -51.37% vs XLB's -59.83%.

Which ETF is better, GNR or XLB?

On 10-year performance, XLB leads with 10.44% vs 10.31% for GNR. On fees, XLB is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, GNR has been the lower-risk option at 5.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GNR or XLB?

Over the 10-year period, XLB has performed better with a 10.44% return vs 10.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GNR or XLB?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GNR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GNR or XLB?

GNR has the higher dividend yield at 2.68%, compared with 1.67% for XLB.

What is the main difference between GNR and XLB?

GNR is categorized as Natural Resources, while XLB is Materials. GNR tracks S&P Global Natural Resources Index, while XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GNR and 0.13% for XLB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GNR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 1.10), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.