GNR vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

GNR (SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GNR is a Commodity Producers Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Natural Resources Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GNR returned 10.69%/yr vs 9.22%/yr for XLU. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. GNR charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

GNR vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GNR achieves a 20.29% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 3.65% return. Over the past 10 years, GNR has outperformed XLU with an annualized return of 10.69%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.22% annualized return.

GNR

• 1D: 0.01%
• 1M: -0.11%
• YTD: 20.29%
• 6M: 22.66%
• 1Y: 43.06%
• 3Y*: 15.71%
• 5Y*: 9.73%
• 10Y*: 10.69%

XLU

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -5.24%
• YTD: 3.65%
• 6M: 1.99%
• 1Y: 11.64%
• 3Y*: 13.76%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: 9.22%

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

GNR vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	20.29%	28.68%	-8.27%	2.95%	10.20%	24.73%	-0.03%	16.49%	-13.19%	22.64%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.65%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between GNR and XLU is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.35
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.33
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2010	0.32

GNR vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GNR	XLU
Basic Materials	50.3%	-
Energy	37.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	-
Real Estate	0.8%	-
Industrials	0.2%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	100.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

GNR vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

GNR

GNR Risk / Return Rank: 83
GNR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
GNR Sortino Ratio Rank: 76
GNR Omega Ratio Rank: 79
GNR Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
GNR Martin Ratio Rank: 91

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 24
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 23
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	GNR	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.64	0.81	+1.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.38	1.18	+2.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.15	+0.32
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.43	1.27	+4.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	21.24	2.84	+18.40
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GNR vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GNR Sharpe Ratio is 2.64, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GNR and XLU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GNR	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.64	0.81	+1.83
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.48	0.54	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.48	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	0.40	-0.14

Drawdowns

GNR vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GNR drawdown since its inception was -51.37%, roughly equal to the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GNR and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	GNR	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.37%	-51.98%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.97%	-9.18%	+1.21%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.15%	-17.26%	-3.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.66%	-25.26%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.59%	-36.07%	-12.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.50%	-7.30%	+5.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.95%	-10.22%	-4.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.03%	4.11%	-2.08%

Volatility

GNR vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF (GNR) is 4.33%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.47%. This indicates that GNR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GNR	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.33%	5.47%	-1.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.19%	11.52%	+1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.39%	14.57%	+1.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.23%	17.32%	+2.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.87%	19.25%	+2.62%

GNR vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

GNR has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

GNR vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

GNR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.47%, less than XLU's 2.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GNR SPDR S&P Global Natural Resources ETF	2.47%	2.76%	4.73%	3.37%	4.37%	3.44%	2.78%	3.84%	3.51%	2.40%	2.06%	4.59%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.71%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GNR and XLU in my portfolio?

GNR and XLU have a correlation of 0.26, 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 XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.47%) compared to GNR (4.33%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GNR dropped -51.37% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, GNR or XLU?

On 10-year performance, GNR leads with 10.69% vs 9.22% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, GNR has been the lower-risk option at 4.33%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GNR or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, GNR has performed better with a 10.69% return vs 9.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GNR or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GNR.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.71%, compared with 2.47% for GNR.

What is the main difference between GNR and XLU?

GNR is categorized as Commodity Producers Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. GNR tracks S&P Global Natural Resources Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GNR and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GNR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.64 vs 0.81), 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.