KBE vs. GABF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

KBE (SPDR S&P Bank ETF) and GABF (Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF) are both Financials Equities funds. KBE is passively managed, while GABF is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, KBE returned 22.67%/yr vs 20.47%/yr for GABF. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. KBE charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for GABF.

Performance

KBE vs. GABF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE) and Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KBE achieves a 2.87% return, which is significantly higher than GABF's -7.03% return.

KBE

• 1D: -2.28%
• 1M: -1.94%
• YTD: 2.87%
• 6M: 4.27%
• 1Y: 18.75%
• 3Y*: 22.67%
• 5Y*: 5.28%
• 10Y*: 9.19%

GABF

• 1D: -1.89%
• 1M: -3.11%
• YTD: -7.03%
• 6M: -6.24%
• 1Y: -3.20%
• 3Y*: 20.47%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

KBE vs. GABF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
KBE SPDR S&P Bank ETF	2.87%	12.36%	23.78%	5.30%	-0.36%
GABF Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF	-7.03%	3.60%	44.38%	38.92%	0.40%

Correlation

The correlation between KBE and GABF is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 11, 2022	0.81

The correlation between KBE and GABF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.81 - a consistent structural relationship.

KBE vs. GABF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KBE	GABF
Financial Services	100.0%	84.6%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	4.6%
Real Estate	-	6.0%
Technology	-	4.9%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

KBE vs. GABF — Risk / Return Rank

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

KBE

KBE Risk / Return Rank: 25
KBE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
KBE Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
KBE Omega Ratio Rank: 25
KBE Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
KBE Martin Ratio Rank: 25

GABF

GABF Risk / Return Rank: 7
GABF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
GABF Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
GABF Omega Ratio Rank: 6
GABF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
GABF Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

KBE vs. GABF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE) and Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF). 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.

	KBE	GABF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.87	-0.19	+1.06
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.32	-0.13	+1.45
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	0.98	+0.19
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	-0.19	+1.47
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.39	-0.44	+3.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

KBE vs. GABF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KBE Sharpe Ratio is 0.87, which is higher than the GABF Sharpe Ratio of -0.19. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KBE and GABF, 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

	KBE	GABF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87	-0.19	+1.06
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.31	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.10	0.87	-0.77

Drawdowns

KBE vs. GABF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KBE drawdown since its inception was -83.15%, which is greater than GABF's maximum drawdown of -20.86%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KBE and GABF.

Drawdown Indicators

	KBE	GABF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.15%	-20.86%	-62.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.63%	-17.16%	+2.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.97%	-20.86%	-5.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.25%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.14%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.38%	-11.60%	+4.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.54%	-4.86%	-22.68%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.55%	7.27%	-1.72%

Volatility

KBE vs. GABF - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE) has a higher volatility of 5.65% compared to Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF) at 4.28%. This indicates that KBE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GABF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KBE	GABF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.65%	4.28%	+1.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.93%	13.14%	+1.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.62%	17.37%	+4.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.36%	20.54%	+6.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.85%	20.54%	+9.31%

KBE vs. GABF - Expense Ratio Comparison

KBE has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than GABF's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

KBE vs. GABF - Dividend Comparison

KBE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.39%, more than GABF's 2.11% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GABF Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF	2.11%	1.96%	4.19%	4.95%	1.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
KBE SPDR S&P Bank ETF	2.39%	2.51%	2.35%	2.78%	2.99%	2.16%	2.44%	2.33%	2.18%	1.36%	1.39%	1.70%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KBE and GABF in my portfolio?

KBE and GABF have a correlation of 0.76, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KBE or GABF?

KBE has higher volatility (5.65%) compared to GABF (4.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KBE dropped -83.15% vs GABF's -20.86%.

Which ETF is better, KBE or GABF?

On 3-year performance, KBE leads with 22.67% vs 20.47% for GABF. On fees, GABF is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, GABF has been the lower-risk option at 4.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KBE or GABF?

Over the 3-year period, KBE has performed better with a 22.67% return vs 20.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KBE or GABF?

GABF is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for KBE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KBE or GABF?

KBE has the higher dividend yield at 2.39%, compared with 2.11% for GABF.

What is the main difference between KBE and GABF?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Gabelli. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for KBE and 0.10% for GABF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KBE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.87 vs -0.19), 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.