IBOT vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IBOT (VanEck Robotics ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBOT is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar® Robotics Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, IBOT returned 20.68%/yr vs 13.79%/yr for XLU. At a 0.18 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBOT charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

IBOT vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) 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, IBOT achieves a 24.30% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 5.04% return.

IBOT

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 1.22%
• YTD: 24.30%
• 6M: 24.91%
• 1Y: 50.85%
• 3Y*: 20.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 1.50%
• YTD: 5.04%
• 6M: 5.48%
• 1Y: 12.50%
• 3Y*: 13.79%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 9.20%

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

IBOT vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IBOT VanEck Robotics ETF	24.30%	28.57%	6.39%	19.46%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	5.04%	16.03%	23.31%	-6.29%

Correlation

The correlation between IBOT and XLU is 0.19, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.19
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 6, 2023	0.18

IBOT vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IBOT	XLU
Technology	52.0%	-
Industrials	42.9%	-
Energy	2.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.2%	-
Healthcare	0.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

IBOT vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBOT

IBOT Risk / Return Rank: 71
IBOT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
IBOT Sortino Ratio Rank: 72
IBOT Omega Ratio Rank: 70
IBOT Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
IBOT Martin Ratio Rank: 72

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 26
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

IBOT vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) 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.

	IBOT	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.10	0.81	+1.28
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.80	1.18	+1.62
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.15	+0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	1.30	+1.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.67	2.80	+8.87

IBOT vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBOT Sharpe Ratio is 2.10, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBOT 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

IBOT vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBOT drawdown since its inception was -25.39%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBOT and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBOT	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.39%	-51.98%	+26.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.74%	-9.18%	-7.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.39%	-17.26%	-8.13%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.26%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.92%	-6.05%	+3.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.02%	-10.22%	+5.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.13%	4.25%	-0.12%

Volatility

IBOT vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Robotics ETF (IBOT) has a higher volatility of 9.29% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.59%. This indicates that IBOT'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

	IBOT	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.29%	5.59%	+3.70%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.07%	11.68%	+7.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.06%	14.66%	+8.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.37%	17.34%	+5.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.37%	19.27%	+3.10%

IBOT vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBOT has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBOT vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

IBOT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, less than XLU's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBOT VanEck Robotics ETF	0.31%	0.38%	2.81%	2.06%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.67%	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 IBOT and XLU in my portfolio?

IBOT and XLU have a correlation of 0.19, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBOT or XLU?

IBOT has higher volatility (9.29%) compared to XLU (5.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBOT dropped -25.39% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, IBOT or XLU?

On 3-year performance, IBOT leads with 20.68% vs 13.79% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBOT or XLU?

Over the 3-year period, IBOT has performed better with a 20.68% return vs 13.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBOT or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for IBOT.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 0.31% for IBOT.

What is the main difference between IBOT and XLU?

IBOT is categorized as Technology Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. IBOT tracks BlueStar® Robotics Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IBOT and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBOT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 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.