IGF vs. XLI

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IGF (iShares Global Infrastructure ETF) and XLI (Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both Industrials Equities funds - IGF tracks the S&P Global Infrastructure Index (Net) while XLI tracks the Industrial Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IGF returned 8.79%/yr vs 14.55%/yr for XLI. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGF charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLI.

Performance

IGF vs. XLI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) and Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGF achieves a 9.67% return, which is significantly lower than XLI's 15.45% return. Over the past 10 years, IGF has underperformed XLI with an annualized return of 8.79%, while XLI has yielded a comparatively higher 14.55% annualized return.

IGF

• 1D: -0.03%
• 1M: -0.16%
• YTD: 9.67%
• 6M: 8.98%
• 1Y: 17.62%
• 3Y*: 16.78%
• 5Y*: 10.70%
• 10Y*: 8.79%

XLI

• 1D: -2.01%
• 1M: 3.97%
• YTD: 15.45%
• 6M: 14.08%
• 1Y: 25.43%
• 3Y*: 21.67%
• 5Y*: 13.47%
• 10Y*: 14.55%

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

IGF vs. XLI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGF iShares Global Infrastructure ETF	9.67%	21.31%	14.81%	6.14%	-1.26%	11.57%	-6.50%	25.82%	-9.95%	19.31%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	15.45%	19.35%	17.31%	18.13%	-5.57%	21.08%	10.91%	29.08%	-13.25%	23.98%

Correlation

The correlation between IGF and XLI is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 12, 2007	0.69

The correlation between IGF and XLI shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (1 year) to 0.69 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IGF vs. XLI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGF	XLI
Industrials	40.6%	91.2%
Utilities	39.7%	4.5%
Energy	19.6%	-
Real Estate	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Technology	-	3.7%

Return for Risk

IGF vs. XLI — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGF

IGF Risk / Return Rank: 53
IGF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
IGF Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
IGF Omega Ratio Rank: 49
IGF Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
IGF Martin Ratio Rank: 51

XLI

XLI Risk / Return Rank: 46
XLI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
XLI Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
XLI Omega Ratio Rank: 43
XLI Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
XLI Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

IGF vs. XLI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) and Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI). 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.

	IGF	XLI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.68	1.57	+0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.39	2.25	+0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.27	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.02	2.09	+0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.52	8.24	+0.28

IGF vs. XLI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGF Sharpe Ratio is 1.68, which is comparable to the XLI Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGF and XLI, 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

IGF vs. XLI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGF drawdown since its inception was -58.33%, smaller than the maximum XLI drawdown of -62.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGF and XLI.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGF	XLI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.33%	-62.26%	+3.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.87%	-12.21%	+6.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.28%	-18.49%	+4.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.83%	-21.64%	+0.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.11%	-42.33%	+0.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.99%	-2.01%	-0.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.84%	-9.19%	-2.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	3.09%	-1.02%

Volatility

IGF vs. XLI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) is 3.35%, while Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) has a volatility of 6.25%. This indicates that IGF experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGF	XLI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.35%	6.25%	-2.90%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.73%	13.67%	-4.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.56%	16.33%	-5.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.96%	17.55%	-3.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.73%	20.02%	-3.29%

IGF vs. XLI - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGF has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than XLI's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGF vs. XLI - Dividend Comparison

IGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.91%, more than XLI's 1.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IGF iShares Global Infrastructure ETF	2.91%	3.23%	3.21%	3.36%	2.67%	2.42%	2.33%	3.27%	3.52%	2.95%	2.98%	3.25%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.16%	1.29%	1.44%	1.63%	1.63%	1.25%	1.55%	1.94%	2.15%	1.77%	2.07%	2.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGF and XLI in my portfolio?

IGF and XLI have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGF or XLI?

XLI has higher volatility (6.25%) compared to IGF (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGF dropped -58.33% vs XLI's -62.26%.

Which ETF is better, IGF or XLI?

On 10-year performance, XLI leads with 14.55% vs 8.79% for IGF. On fees, XLI is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, IGF has been the lower-risk option at 3.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGF or XLI?

Over the 10-year period, XLI has performed better with a 14.55% return vs 8.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGF or XLI?

XLI is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for IGF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IGF or XLI?

IGF has the higher dividend yield at 2.91%, compared with 1.16% for XLI.

What is the main difference between IGF and XLI?

IGF tracks S&P Global Infrastructure Index (Net), while XLI tracks Industrial Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IGF and 0.08% for XLI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IGF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.68 vs 1.57), 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.