IGE vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IGE (iShares North American Natural Resources ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - IGE tracks the S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index while XLE tracks the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IGE returned 9.09%/yr vs 9.37%/yr for XLE. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IGE charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

IGE vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE) 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, IGE achieves a 15.54% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 23.49% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IGE having a 9.09% annualized return and XLE not far ahead at 9.37%.

IGE

• 1D: -0.66%
• 1M: -6.23%
• YTD: 15.54%
• 6M: 14.58%
• 1Y: 31.93%
• 3Y*: 18.55%
• 5Y*: 16.34%
• 10Y*: 9.09%

XLE

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: -7.80%
• YTD: 23.49%
• 6M: 24.07%
• 1Y: 30.55%
• 3Y*: 15.73%
• 5Y*: 18.87%
• 10Y*: 9.37%

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

IGE vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGE iShares North American Natural Resources ETF	15.54%	20.41%	7.55%	3.12%	33.24%	39.42%	-19.58%	17.16%	-21.59%	0.82%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	23.49%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between IGE and XLE is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 26, 2001	0.94

The correlation between IGE and XLE shifts across timeframes, from 0.77 (1 year) to 0.94 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IGE vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGE	XLE
Energy	70.1%	100.0%
Basic Materials	26.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.5%	-
Healthcare	0.2%	-
Industrials	0.1%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IGE vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGE

IGE Risk / Return Rank: 64
IGE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
IGE Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
IGE Omega Ratio Rank: 56
IGE Calmar Ratio Rank: 75
IGE Martin Ratio Rank: 68

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 42
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 39
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

IGE vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE) 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.

	IGE	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	1.48	+0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.63	2.00	+0.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.25	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.65	2.18	+1.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.94	6.53	+5.41

IGE vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGE Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is higher than the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGE and XLE, 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

IGE vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGE drawdown since its inception was -67.55%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGE and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGE	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.55%	-71.26%	+3.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.80%	-14.05%	+5.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.49%	-20.14%	+0.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.72%	-26.04%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-60.57%	-66.81%	+6.24%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.73%	-12.32%	+3.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.87%	-17.96%	-0.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	4.69%	-2.01%

Volatility

IGE vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares North American Natural Resources ETF (IGE) is 5.32%, while State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a volatility of 7.12%. This indicates that IGE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGE	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.32%	7.12%	-1.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.96%	16.82%	-3.86%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.51%	20.93%	-4.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.41%	25.98%	-3.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.93%	29.60%	-4.67%

IGE vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGE has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGE vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

IGE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.07%, less than XLE's 2.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IGE iShares North American Natural Resources ETF	2.07%	2.32%	2.54%	2.85%	2.96%	2.92%	3.34%	5.55%	2.68%	2.11%	1.66%	3.08%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.79%	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 IGE and XLE in my portfolio?

IGE and XLE have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGE or XLE?

XLE has higher volatility (7.12%) compared to IGE (5.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGE dropped -67.55% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, IGE or XLE?

On 10-year performance, XLE leads with 9.37% vs 9.09% for IGE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, IGE has been the lower-risk option at 5.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGE or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, XLE has performed better with a 9.37% return vs 9.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGE or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for IGE.

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

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.79%, compared with 2.07% for IGE.

What is the main difference between IGE and XLE?

IGE tracks S&P North American Natural Resources Sector Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IGE and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IGE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.48), 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.