GXPE vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

GXPE (Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - GXPE tracks the MSCI USA Energy PureCap Index while XLE tracks the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. GXPE charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

GXPE vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF (GXPE) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GXPE achieves a 21.27% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 22.58% return.

GXPE

• 1D: 1.15%
• 1M: -8.52%
• YTD: 21.27%
• 6M: 22.79%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLE

• 1D: 1.26%
• 1M: -8.47%
• YTD: 22.58%
• 6M: 23.97%
• 1Y: 26.32%
• 3Y*: 15.44%
• 5Y*: 18.90%
• 10Y*: 9.29%

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

GXPE vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
GXPE Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF	21.27%	4.62%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	22.58%	6.41%

Correlation

The correlation between GXPE and XLE is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2025	0.99

Return for Risk

GXPE vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

GXPE

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 36
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 32
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

GXPE vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF (GXPE) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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.

	GXPE	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.26	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.75	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.21	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.88	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	5.70	—

Drawdowns

GXPE vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GXPE drawdown since its inception was -14.89%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GXPE and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	GXPE	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.89%	-71.26%	+56.37%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.05%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.14%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.04%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-66.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.91%	-12.96%	-0.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.58%	-17.97%	+14.39%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.66%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GXPE	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.06%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.89%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.71%	20.96%	-0.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.71%	25.98%	-5.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.71%	29.62%	-8.91%

GXPE vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

GXPE has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GXPE vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

GXPE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.99%, less than XLE's 3.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GXPE Global X PureCap MSCI Energy ETF	0.99%	1.20%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.47%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GXPE and XLE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, GXPE and XLE move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, GXPE or XLE?

On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, GXPE or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for GXPE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GXPE or XLE?

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 3.47%, compared with 0.99% for GXPE.

What is the main difference between GXPE and XLE?

GXPE tracks MSCI USA Energy PureCap Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for GXPE and 0.08% for XLE.