IXN vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IXN (iShares Global Tech ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - IXN tracks the S&P Global Information 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, IXN returned 25.98%/yr vs 26.01%/yr for XLK. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IXN charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

IXN vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) 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, IXN achieves a 40.36% return, which is significantly higher than XLK's 33.79% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with IXN having a 25.98% annualized return and XLK not far ahead at 26.01%.

IXN

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 8.90%
• YTD: 40.36%
• 6M: 40.73%
• 1Y: 70.75%
• 3Y*: 35.39%
• 5Y*: 22.48%
• 10Y*: 25.98%

XLK

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 6.65%
• YTD: 33.79%
• 6M: 32.69%
• 1Y: 60.87%
• 3Y*: 32.46%
• 5Y*: 22.53%
• 10Y*: 26.01%

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

IXN vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF	40.36%	25.25%	24.84%	52.98%	-29.86%	29.58%	43.62%	47.88%	-5.44%	41.23%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	33.79%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%

Correlation

The correlation between IXN and XLK is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 26, 2001	0.90

The correlation between IXN and XLK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

IXN vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXN	XLK
Technology	99.3%	99.7%
Industrials	0.1%	0.1%
Energy	0.1%	0.2%
Healthcare	0.1%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IXN vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

IXN

IXN Risk / Return Rank: 85
IXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
IXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
IXN Omega Ratio Rank: 82
IXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 89
IXN Martin Ratio Rank: 84

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 77
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 77
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

IXN vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) 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.

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.

	IXN	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.89	2.65	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	3.20	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	1.43	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.16	3.84	+1.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	16.70	12.30	+4.40

IXN vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXN Sharpe Ratio is 2.89, which is comparable to the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXN 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.

Drawdowns

IXN vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXN drawdown since its inception was -55.67%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXN and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXN	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.67%	-82.05%	+26.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.80%	-15.92%	+2.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.55%	-25.66%	+0.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.30%	-33.56%	-2.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.30%	-33.56%	-2.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.58%	-2.94%	+1.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.26%	-34.90%	+23.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.25%	4.96%	-0.71%

Volatility

IXN vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) has a higher volatility of 12.73% compared to State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) at 11.64%. This indicates that IXN's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXN	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.73%	11.64%	+1.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.80%	19.23%	+1.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.64%	23.12%	+1.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.33%	25.30%	+0.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.66%	24.71%	-0.05%

IXN vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXN has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXN vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

IXN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.74%, more than XLK's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF	0.74%	1.04%	0.43%	0.55%	0.81%	0.58%	0.63%	1.06%	0.94%	0.93%	1.03%	1.12%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.52%	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 IXN and XLK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, IXN 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, IXN or XLK?

IXN has higher volatility (12.73%) compared to XLK (11.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXN dropped -55.67% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, IXN or XLK?

On 10-year performance, XLK leads with 26.01% vs 25.98% for IXN. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLK has been the lower-risk option at 11.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXN or XLK?

Over the 10-year period, XLK has performed better with a 26.01% return vs 25.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXN or XLK?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for IXN.

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

IXN has the higher dividend yield at 0.74%, compared with 0.52% for XLK.

What is the main difference between IXN and XLK?

IXN tracks S&P Global Information 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: 0.46% for IXN and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.89 vs 2.65), 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.