IGM vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

IGM (iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - IGM tracks the S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index while XLK tracks the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IGM returned 24.14%/yr vs 24.71%/yr for XLK. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IGM charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

IGM vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IGM achieves a 21.31% return, which is significantly lower than XLK's 25.39% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IGM having a 24.14% annualized return and XLK not far ahead at 24.71%.

IGM

• 1D: -6.23%
• 1M: 3.80%
• YTD: 21.31%
• 6M: 18.07%
• 1Y: 49.16%
• 3Y*: 35.45%
• 5Y*: 20.12%
• 10Y*: 24.14%

XLK

• 1D: -6.66%
• 1M: 6.04%
• YTD: 25.39%
• 6M: 23.33%
• 1Y: 53.58%
• 3Y*: 30.43%
• 5Y*: 21.75%
• 10Y*: 24.71%

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

IGM vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IGM iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF	21.31%	26.76%	36.99%	60.68%	-35.83%	25.72%	45.11%	41.81%	2.26%	37.20%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	25.39%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%

Correlation

The correlation between IGM and XLK is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 20, 2001	0.95

The correlation between IGM and XLK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

IGM vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IGM	XLK
Technology	82.8%	99.7%
Communication Services	16.8%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Industrials	0.2%	0.1%
Energy	0.1%	0.2%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IGM vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

IGM

IGM Risk / Return Rank: 65
IGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
IGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
IGM Omega Ratio Rank: 66
IGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
IGM Martin Ratio Rank: 60

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 69
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 70
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	2.45	-0.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.86	2.98	-0.12
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.41	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.00	3.38	-0.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.47	11.25	-0.77
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. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IGM Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is comparable to the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IGM and XLK, 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	XLK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.30	2.45	-0.15
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78	0.87	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98	1.01	-0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.47	0.40	+0.06

Drawdowns

IGM vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IGM drawdown since its inception was -65.59%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IGM and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	IGM	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.59%	-82.05%	+16.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.44%	-15.92%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.39%	-25.66%	-0.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.68%	-33.56%	-7.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.68%	-33.56%	-7.12%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.40%	-9.04%	+0.64%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-15.23%	-34.95%	+19.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.71%	4.78%	-0.07%

Volatility

IGM vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Expanded Tech Sector ETF (IGM) is 9.28%, while State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has a volatility of 10.28%. This indicates that IGM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IGM	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.28%	10.28%	-1.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.46%	18.21%	-0.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.46%	21.96%	-0.50%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.82%	25.07%	+0.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.62%	24.59%	+0.03%

IGM vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

IGM vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

IGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than XLK's 0.42% 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%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.42%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IGM and XLK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, IGM and XLK move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, IGM or XLK?

XLK has higher volatility (10.28%) compared to IGM (9.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IGM dropped -65.59% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, IGM or XLK?

On 10-year performance, XLK leads with 24.71% vs 24.14% for IGM. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, IGM has been the lower-risk option at 9.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IGM or XLK?

Over the 10-year period, XLK has performed better with a 24.71% return vs 24.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IGM or XLK?

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

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

XLK has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.13% for IGM.

What is the main difference between IGM and XLK?

IGM tracks S&P North American Expanded Technology Sector Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for IGM and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 2.30), 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.