HAIL vs. XLU

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

HAIL (SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - HAIL is a Global Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Smart Transportation Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, HAIL returned -6.47%/yr vs 10.38%/yr for XLU. At a 0.20 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. HAIL charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

HAIL vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) 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, HAIL achieves a 11.43% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 8.54% return.

HAIL

• 1D: -2.36%
• 1M: -7.55%
• 6M: 0.56%
• YTD: 11.43%
• 1Y: 20.29%
• 3Y*: 3.17%
• 5Y*: -6.47%
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 3.33%
• 6M: 8.82%
• YTD: 8.54%
• 1Y: 14.00%
• 3Y*: 14.39%
• 5Y*: 10.38%
• 10Y*: 9.21%

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

HAIL vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HAIL SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF	11.43%	19.62%	-6.98%	9.65%	-45.72%	1.95%	84.33%	30.63%	-19.96%	-0.65%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	8.54%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	1.04%

Correlation

The correlation between HAIL and XLU is 0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 27, 2017	0.20

The correlation between HAIL and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.09 (1 year) to 0.22 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

HAIL vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HAIL	XLU
Technology	39.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	32.6%	-
Industrials	21.0%	-
Communication Services	4.8%	-
Financial Services	3.1%	-
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Energy	1.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

HAIL vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

HAIL

HAIL Risk / Return Rank: 24
HAIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
HAIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
HAIL Omega Ratio Rank: 22
HAIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
HAIL Martin Ratio Rank: 26

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 31
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

HAIL vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) 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.

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.

	HAIL	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.65	0.94	-0.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.07	1.35	-0.28
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.17	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.09	1.53	-0.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.78	3.20	-0.41

HAIL vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HAIL Sharpe Ratio is 0.65, which is lower than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HAIL 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.

Drawdowns

HAIL vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HAIL drawdown since its inception was -65.98%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HAIL and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	HAIL	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.98%	-51.98%	-14.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.64%	-9.18%	-9.46%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-40.96%	-17.26%	-23.70%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.01%	-25.26%	-37.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-41.22%	-2.92%	-38.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-31.66%	-10.20%	-21.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.30%	4.39%	+2.91%

Volatility

HAIL vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF (HAIL) has a higher volatility of 11.00% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 4.40%. This indicates that HAIL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HAIL	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.00%	4.40%	+6.60%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.31%	11.81%	+13.50%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.65%	14.92%	+16.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.31%	17.35%	+14.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	31.90%	19.29%	+12.61%

HAIL vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

HAIL has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

HAIL vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

HAIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.71%, less than XLU's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HAIL SPDR S&P Kensho Smart Mobility ETF	1.71%	2.00%	2.98%	2.62%	2.09%	1.36%	0.52%	1.17%	2.54%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.61%	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 HAIL and XLU in my portfolio?

HAIL and XLU have a correlation of 0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HAIL or XLU?

HAIL has higher volatility (11.00%) compared to XLU (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HAIL dropped -65.98% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, HAIL or XLU?

On 5-year performance, XLU leads with 10.38% vs -6.47% for HAIL. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HAIL or XLU?

Over the 5-year period, XLU has performed better with a 10.38% return vs -6.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HAIL or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for HAIL.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 1.71% for HAIL.

What is the main difference between HAIL and XLU?

HAIL is categorized as Global Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. HAIL tracks S&P Kensho Smart Transportation Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for HAIL and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.94 vs 0.65), 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.