ITB vs. XLB

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

ITB (iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF) and XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ITB is a Building & Construction fund tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index, while XLB is a Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ITB returned 14.45%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for XLB. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ITB charges 0.42%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLB.

Performance

ITB vs. XLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ITB achieves a 0.87% return, which is significantly lower than XLB's 15.57% return. Over the past 10 years, ITB has outperformed XLB with an annualized return of 14.45%, while XLB has yielded a comparatively lower 10.54% annualized return.

ITB

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: 8.97%
• YTD: 0.87%
• 6M: -5.10%
• 1Y: 5.46%
• 3Y*: 7.35%
• 5Y*: 8.18%
• 10Y*: 14.45%

XLB

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 15.57%
• 6M: 16.68%
• 1Y: 20.35%
• 3Y*: 10.88%
• 5Y*: 6.01%
• 10Y*: 10.54%

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

ITB vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ITB iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF	0.87%	-5.26%	2.06%	68.91%	-26.26%	49.25%	26.42%	48.70%	-30.92%	59.65%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	15.57%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%

Correlation

The correlation between ITB and XLB is 0.68, 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	0.68
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 5, 2006	0.61

The correlation between ITB and XLB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.61 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

ITB vs. XLB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ITB	XLB
Consumer Cyclical	71.8%	12.4%
Industrials	19.1%	1.5%
Basic Materials	8.6%	87.6%
Real Estate	0.5%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ITB vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

ITB

ITB Risk / Return Rank: 12
ITB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
ITB Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
ITB Omega Ratio Rank: 13
ITB Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
ITB Martin Ratio Rank: 11

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 37
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 34
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

ITB vs. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). 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.

	ITB	XLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.18	1.17	-0.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.53	1.73	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.06	1.20	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.21	1.65	-1.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.41	5.05	-4.65

ITB vs. XLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ITB Sharpe Ratio is 0.18, which is lower than the XLB Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ITB and XLB, 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

ITB vs. XLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ITB drawdown since its inception was -86.53%, which is greater than XLB's maximum drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ITB and XLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	ITB	XLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-86.53%	-59.83%	-26.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.04%	-12.38%	-13.66%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.35%	-23.17%	-10.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.55%	-24.72%	-15.83%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-52.10%	-37.27%	-14.83%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.53%	-2.25%	-21.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-37.08%	-10.83%	-26.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.45%	4.04%	+9.41%

Volatility

ITB vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison

iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) has a higher volatility of 9.26% compared to Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) at 7.05%. This indicates that ITB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ITB	XLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.26%	7.05%	+2.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.89%	13.58%	+7.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.90%	17.49%	+12.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.29%	19.06%	+10.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.05%	20.70%	+9.35%

ITB vs. XLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

ITB has a 0.42% expense ratio, which is higher than XLB's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

ITB vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison

ITB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.17%, less than XLB's 1.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ITB iShares U.S. Home Construction ETF	1.17%	1.67%	0.46%	0.48%	0.86%	0.37%	0.46%	0.50%	0.63%	0.28%	0.43%	0.34%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.68%	1.92%	1.92%	2.00%	2.26%	1.62%	1.72%	1.98%	2.20%	1.66%	1.95%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ITB and XLB in my portfolio?

ITB and XLB have a correlation of 0.68, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ITB or XLB?

ITB has higher volatility (9.26%) compared to XLB (7.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ITB dropped -86.53% vs XLB's -59.83%.

Which ETF is better, ITB or XLB?

On 10-year performance, ITB leads with 14.45% vs 10.54% for XLB. On fees, XLB is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLB has been the lower-risk option at 7.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ITB or XLB?

Over the 10-year period, ITB has performed better with a 14.45% return vs 10.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ITB or XLB?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.42% for ITB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ITB or XLB?

XLB has the higher dividend yield at 1.68%, compared with 1.17% for ITB.

What is the main difference between ITB and XLB?

ITB is categorized as Building & Construction, while XLB is Materials. ITB tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Home Construction Index, while XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.42% for ITB and 0.13% for XLB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs 0.18), 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.