IXP vs. XOP

Last updated Aug 4, 2026

IXP (iShares Global Comm Services ETF) and XOP (SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IXP is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the S&P Global 1200 Communication Services 4.5/22.5/45 Capped, while XOP is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IXP returned 8.78%/yr vs 4.18%/yr for XOP. Their 0.42 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. IXP charges 0.43%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XOP.

Performance

IXP vs. XOP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) and SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IXP achieves a -1.64% return, which is significantly lower than XOP's 39.27% return. Over the past 10 years, IXP has outperformed XOP with an annualized return of 8.78%, while XOP has yielded a comparatively lower 4.18% annualized return.

IXP

• 1D: 2.99%
• 1M: 3.30%
• 6M: -5.05%
• YTD: -1.64%
• 1Y: 9.01%
• 3Y*: 21.46%
• 5Y*: 8.32%
• 10Y*: 8.78%
• ALL TIME*: 6.65%

XOP

• 1D: -1.76%
• 1M: 12.70%
• 6M: 29.52%
• YTD: 39.27%
• 1Y: 44.16%
• 3Y*: 9.05%
• 5Y*: 19.96%
• 10Y*: 4.18%
• ALL TIME*: 2.59%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
IXP iShares Global Comm Services ETF	$6.29M	$4.27M	$3.74M
XOP SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF	$549.60M	$554.39M	$593.33M

IXP vs. XOP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IXP iShares Global Comm Services ETF	-1.64%	29.27%	31.33%	38.80%	-33.40%	12.77%	22.16%	25.23%	-13.67%	6.65%
XOP SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF	39.27%	-2.15%	-1.00%	3.56%	45.37%	66.74%	-36.40%	-9.44%	-28.10%	-9.47%

Correlation

The correlation between IXP and XOP is -0.23, meaning they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. This relationship can weaken or reverse as market conditions change.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	-0.23
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.05
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.21
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2006	0.42

The correlation between IXP and XOP shifts across timeframes, from -0.23 (1 year) to 0.42 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IXP vs. XOP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IXP	XOP
Communication Services	99.4%	-
Technology	2.0%	0.6%
Real Estate	0.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	4.3%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	95.1%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	2.2%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IXP vs. XOP — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

IXP

IXP Risk / Return Rank: 24
IXP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
IXP Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
IXP Omega Ratio Rank: 24
IXP Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
IXP Martin Ratio Rank: 25

XOP

XOP Risk / Return Rank: 60
XOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
XOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
XOP Omega Ratio Rank: 57
XOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
XOP Martin Ratio Rank: 49

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

IXP vs. XOP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) and SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP). 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.

	IXP	XOP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.56	1.57	-1.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.93	2.07	-1.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.26	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.74	2.40	-1.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.92	5.80	-3.88

IXP vs. XOP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IXP Sharpe Ratio is 0.56, which is lower than the XOP Sharpe Ratio of 1.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IXP and XOP, 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

IXP vs. XOP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IXP drawdown since its inception was -50.11%, smaller than the maximum XOP drawdown of -90.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IXP and XOP.

Drawdown Indicators

	IXP	XOP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.11%	-90.27%	+40.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.26%	-18.50%	+6.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.54%	-34.98%	+17.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.30%	-34.98%	-9.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.30%	-82.61%	+38.31%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.75%	-34.91%	+29.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.89%	-42.55%	+30.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.70%	7.64%	-2.94%

Volatility

IXP vs. XOP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Comm Services ETF (IXP) is 6.73%, while SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP) has a volatility of 8.64%. This indicates that IXP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XOP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IXP	XOP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.73%	8.64%	-1.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.41%	22.60%	-10.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.10%	28.35%	-12.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.26%	33.53%	-14.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.59%	40.15%	-21.56%

IXP vs. XOP - Expense Ratio Comparison

IXP has a 0.43% expense ratio, which is higher than XOP's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

IXP vs. XOP - Dividend Comparison

IXP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.32%, more than XOP's 1.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXP iShares Global Comm Services ETF	3.32%	2.98%	1.35%	1.24%	0.62%	1.80%	0.95%	2.18%	4.32%	3.41%	4.02%	3.89%
XOP SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF	1.86%	2.62%	2.45%	2.63%	2.47%	1.61%	2.34%	1.47%	0.99%	0.76%	0.76%	2.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IXP and XOP in my portfolio?

IXP and XOP have a correlation of -0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IXP or XOP?

XOP has higher volatility (8.64%) compared to IXP (6.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IXP dropped -50.11% vs XOP's -90.27%.

Which ETF is better, IXP or XOP?

On 10-year performance, IXP leads with 8.78% vs 4.18% for XOP. On fees, XOP is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, IXP has been the lower-risk option at 6.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IXP or XOP?

Over the 10-year period, IXP has performed better with a 8.78% return vs 4.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IXP or XOP?

XOP is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for IXP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IXP or XOP?

IXP has the higher dividend yield at 3.32%, compared with 1.86% for XOP.

What is the main difference between IXP and XOP?

IXP is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while XOP is Energy Equities. IXP tracks S&P Global 1200 Communication Services 4.5/22.5/45 Capped, while XOP tracks S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.43% for IXP and 0.35% for XOP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XOP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.57 vs 0.56), 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.