IYK vs. XLP

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

IYK (iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF) and XLP (State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Consumer Staples Equities funds - IYK tracks the Russell 1000 Consumer Staples RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index while XLP tracks the Consumer Staples Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IYK returned 9.29%/yr vs 7.36%/yr for XLP. Their correlation of 0.84 means they have usually moved in the same direction. IYK charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLP.

Performance

IYK vs. XLP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IYK achieves a 12.81% return, which is significantly higher than XLP's 10.87% return. Over the past 10 years, IYK has outperformed XLP with an annualized return of 9.29%, while XLP has yielded a comparatively lower 7.36% annualized return.

IYK

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: -0.12%
• 6M: 5.63%
• YTD: 12.81%
• 1Y: 11.76%
• 3Y*: 6.05%
• 5Y*: 6.33%
• 10Y*: 9.29%
• ALL TIME*: 8.87%

XLP

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 0.07%
• 6M: 3.13%
• YTD: 10.87%
• 1Y: 9.04%
• 3Y*: 6.99%
• 5Y*: 6.30%
• 10Y*: 7.36%
• ALL TIME*: 6.87%

*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)
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF	$14.04M	$13.81M	$20.83M
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	$1.02B	$989.49M	$1.01B

IYK vs. XLP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF	12.81%	4.78%	5.27%	-2.84%	3.57%	17.32%	32.65%	28.12%	-13.84%	16.53%
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	10.87%	1.52%	12.20%	-0.82%	-0.81%	17.20%	10.11%	27.43%	-8.07%	12.98%

Correlation

The correlation between IYK and XLP is 0.92, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.92
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.88
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 16, 2000	0.84

The correlation between IYK and XLP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.93 - a consistent structural relationship.

IYK vs. XLP - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IYK	XLP
Consumer Defensive	82.6%	98.1%
Healthcare	13.3%	-
Basic Materials	2.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.4%	1.9%
Industrials	0.1%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IYK vs. XLP — Risk / Return Rank

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

IYK

IYK Risk / Return Rank: 33
IYK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
IYK Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
IYK Omega Ratio Rank: 33
IYK Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
IYK Martin Ratio Rank: 27

XLP

XLP Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
XLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
XLP Omega Ratio Rank: 26
XLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XLP Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

IYK vs. XLP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP). 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.

	IYK	XLP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.88	0.68	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.36	1.07	+0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.12	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.14	0.99	+0.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.29	1.80	+0.49

IYK vs. XLP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IYK Sharpe Ratio is 0.88, which is comparable to the XLP Sharpe Ratio of 0.68. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IYK and XLP, 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

IYK vs. XLP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IYK drawdown since its inception was -42.64%, which is greater than XLP's maximum drawdown of -35.90%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYK and XLP.

Drawdown Indicators

	IYK	XLP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.64%	-35.90%	-6.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.68%	-9.69%	-0.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.32%	-11.42%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.05%	-16.30%	+1.25%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.19%	-24.51%	-8.68%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.01%	-4.32%	+1.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.06%	-7.05%	+1.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.30%	5.33%	-0.03%

Volatility

IYK vs. XLP - Volatility Comparison

iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) have volatilities of 6.13% and 6.08%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IYK	XLP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.13%	6.08%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.30%	11.61%	-0.31%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.86%	14.16%	-0.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.30%	13.61%	-0.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.60%	14.86%	+0.74%

IYK vs. XLP - Expense Ratio Comparison

IYK has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than XLP's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

IYK vs. XLP - Dividend Comparison

IYK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, less than XLP's 2.58% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IYK iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF	2.54%	2.75%	2.63%	2.74%	2.16%	1.49%	1.42%	2.21%	2.81%	1.74%	2.63%	2.11%
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.58%	2.75%	2.77%	2.63%	2.47%	2.28%	2.50%	2.57%	3.04%	2.62%	2.53%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IYK and XLP in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, IYK and XLP 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, IYK or XLP?

IYK has higher volatility (6.13%) compared to XLP (6.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYK dropped -42.64% vs XLP's -35.90%.

Which ETF is better, IYK or XLP?

On 10-year performance, IYK leads with 9.29% vs 7.36% for XLP. On fees, XLP is cheaper at 0.08% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IYK or XLP?

Over the 10-year period, IYK has performed better with a 9.29% return vs 7.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IYK or XLP?

XLP is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for IYK.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IYK or XLP?

XLP has the higher dividend yield at 2.58%, compared with 2.54% for IYK.

What is the main difference between IYK and XLP?

IYK tracks Russell 1000 Consumer Staples RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index, while XLP tracks Consumer Staples Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IYK and 0.08% for XLP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IYK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.88 vs 0.68), 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.