IGM vs. XLF

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

IGM (iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF) and XLF (State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IGM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index, while XLF is a Financials Equities fund tracking the Financial Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IGM returned 24.50%/yr vs 12.79%/yr for XLF. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IGM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLF.

Performance

IGM vs. XLF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGM achieves a 23.52% return, which is significantly higher than XLF's -4.62% return. Over the past 10 years, IGM has outperformed XLF with an annualized return of 24.50%, while XLF has yielded a comparatively lower 12.79% annualized return.

IGM

• 1D: 1.82%
• 1M: 3.30%
• YTD: 23.52%
• 6M: 19.92%
• 1Y: 50.26%
• 3Y*: 36.62%
• 5Y*: 20.46%
• 10Y*: 24.50%

XLF

• 1D: -0.63%
• 1M: 1.42%
• YTD: -4.62%
• 6M: -1.98%
• 1Y: 2.91%
• 3Y*: 18.06%
• 5Y*: 8.47%
• 10Y*: 12.79%

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

IGM vs. XLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	23.52%	26.76%	36.99%	60.68%	-35.83%	25.72%	45.11%	41.81%	2.26%	37.20%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	-4.62%	14.90%	30.56%	12.03%	-10.59%	34.80%	-1.74%	31.88%	-13.06%	22.00%

Correlation

The correlation between IGM and XLF is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2001	0.62

Over the past year, the correlation between IGM and XLF has dropped to 0.34 - well below their long-term average of 0.62, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

IGM vs. XLF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGM	XLF
Technology	82.8%	1.8%
Communication Services	16.8%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	98.0%
Industrials	0.2%	0.2%
Energy	0.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IGM vs. XLF — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGM

IGM Risk / Return Rank: 72
IGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 81
IGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
IGM Omega Ratio Rank: 74
IGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
IGM Martin Ratio Rank: 64

XLF

XLF Risk / Return Rank: 12
XLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
XLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
XLF Omega Ratio Rank: 12
XLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
XLF Martin Ratio Rank: 12

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.

IGM vs. XLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). 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.

	IGM	XLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.35	0.20	+2.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.91	0.37	+2.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.05	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.07	0.20	+2.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.67	0.51	+10.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IGM vs. XLF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGM Sharpe Ratio is 2.35, which is higher than the XLF Sharpe Ratio of 0.20. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGM and XLF, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	IGM	XLF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.35	0.20	+2.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80	0.46	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00	0.58	+0.42
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.21	+0.27

Drawdowns

IGM vs. XLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGM drawdown since its inception was -65.59%, smaller than the maximum XLF drawdown of -82.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGM and XLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGM	XLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.59%	-82.69%	+17.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.44%	-14.79%	-1.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-15.54%	-10.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.68%	-25.81%	-14.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.68%	-42.86%	+2.18%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.73%	-7.38%	+0.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.23%	-20.02%	+4.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.73%	5.71%	-0.98%

Volatility

IGM vs. XLF - Volatility Comparison

iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) has a higher volatility of 9.40% compared to State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) at 4.20%. This indicates that IGM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGM	XLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.40%	4.20%	+5.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.54%	11.18%	+6.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.54%	14.61%	+6.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.84%	18.66%	+7.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.63%	22.18%	+2.45%

IGM vs. XLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

IGM has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than XLF's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

IGM vs. XLF - Dividend Comparison

IGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than XLF's 1.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	0.13%	0.17%	0.22%	0.33%	0.66%	0.16%	0.32%	0.50%	0.57%	0.57%	0.90%	0.79%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.52%	1.31%	1.42%	1.71%	2.04%	1.63%	2.03%	1.87%	2.08%	1.48%	21.10%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGM and XLF in my portfolio?

IGM and XLF have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IGM or XLF?

IGM has higher volatility (9.40%) compared to XLF (4.20%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGM dropped -65.59% vs XLF's -82.69%.

Which ETF is better, IGM or XLF?

On 10-year performance, IGM leads with 24.50% vs 12.79% for XLF. On fees, XLF is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLF has been the lower-risk option at 4.20%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGM or XLF?

Over the 10-year period, IGM has performed better with a 24.50% return vs 12.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGM or XLF?

XLF is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for IGM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IGM or XLF?

XLF has the higher dividend yield at 1.52%, compared with 0.13% for IGM.

What is the main difference between IGM and XLF?

IGM is categorized as Technology Equities, while XLF is Financials Equities. IGM tracks S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index, while XLF tracks Financial Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IGM and 0.08% for XLF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IGM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.35 vs 0.20), 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.