KBE vs. KRE

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

KBE (SPDR S&P Bank ETF) and KRE (SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF) are both Financials Equities funds from State Street - KBE tracks the S&P Banks Select Industry Index while KRE tracks the S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, KBE returned 9.44%/yr vs 8.06%/yr for KRE. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

KBE vs. KRE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KBE achieves a 5.27% return, which is significantly lower than KRE's 7.92% return. Over the past 10 years, KBE has outperformed KRE with an annualized return of 9.44%, while KRE has yielded a comparatively lower 8.06% annualized return.

KBE

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: -0.86%
• YTD: 5.27%
• 6M: 8.76%
• 1Y: 23.29%
• 3Y*: 23.62%
• 5Y*: 5.76%
• 10Y*: 9.44%

KRE

• 1D: 1.80%
• 1M: -0.40%
• YTD: 7.92%
• 6M: 11.14%
• 1Y: 26.29%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 2.38%
• 10Y*: 8.06%

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

KBE vs. KRE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KBE SPDR S&P Bank ETF	5.27%	12.36%	23.78%	5.30%	-14.83%	33.46%	-8.75%	29.78%	-19.65%	10.49%
KRE SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF	7.92%	10.21%	18.58%	-7.61%	-15.08%	39.29%	-7.43%	27.44%	-18.81%	7.49%

Correlation

The correlation between KBE and KRE is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 23, 2006	0.95

The correlation between KBE and KRE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

KBE vs. KRE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KBE	KRE
Financial Services	100.0%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

KBE vs. KRE — Risk / Return Rank

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

KBE

KBE Risk / Return Rank: 30
KBE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
KBE Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
KBE Omega Ratio Rank: 31
KBE Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
KBE Martin Ratio Rank: 28

KRE

KRE Risk / Return Rank: 32
KRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
KRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
KRE Omega Ratio Rank: 32
KRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
KRE Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. KRE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE) and SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE). 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	KRE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	1.14	-0.05
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.59	1.65	-0.07
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.22	-0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.54	1.70	-0.16
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	4.06	4.42	-0.36
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. KRE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KBE Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is comparable to the KRE Sharpe Ratio of 1.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KBE and KRE, 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	KRE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.09	1.14	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21	0.08	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.32	0.25	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.10	0.13	-0.03

Drawdowns

KBE vs. KRE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KBE drawdown since its inception was -83.15%, which is greater than KRE's maximum drawdown of -68.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KBE and KRE.

Drawdown Indicators

	KBE	KRE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.15%	-68.54%	-14.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.63%	-14.95%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.97%	-28.20%	+2.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.25%	-52.69%	+7.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.14%	-54.92%	+1.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.22%	-5.01%	-0.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.54%	-21.91%	-5.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.53%	5.74%	-0.21%

Volatility

KBE vs. KRE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE) is 5.29%, while SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF (KRE) has a volatility of 5.76%. This indicates that KBE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KRE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KBE	KRE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.29%	5.76%	-0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.76%	15.67%	-0.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.51%	23.25%	-1.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.34%	29.96%	-2.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.85%	31.92%	-2.07%

KBE vs. KRE - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both KBE and KRE have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

KBE vs. KRE - Dividend Comparison

KBE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.33%, more than KRE's 2.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KBE SPDR S&P Bank ETF	2.33%	2.51%	2.35%	2.78%	2.99%	2.16%	2.44%	2.33%	2.18%	1.36%	1.39%	1.70%
KRE SPDR S&P Regional Banking ETF	2.26%	2.45%	2.59%	2.99%	2.51%	1.97%	2.78%	2.21%	2.48%	1.40%	1.40%	1.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KBE and KRE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, KBE and KRE 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, KBE or KRE?

KRE has higher volatility (5.76%) compared to KBE (5.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KBE dropped -83.15% vs KRE's -68.54%.

Which ETF is better, KBE or KRE?

On 10-year performance, KBE leads with 9.44% vs 8.06% for KRE. Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. On volatility, KBE has been the lower-risk option at 5.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KBE or KRE?

Over the 10-year period, KBE has performed better with a 9.44% return vs 8.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KBE or KRE?

KBE and KRE have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

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

KBE has the higher dividend yield at 2.33%, compared with 2.26% for KRE.

What is the main difference between KBE and KRE?

KBE tracks S&P Banks Select Industry Index, while KRE tracks S&P Regional Banks Select Industry Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KRE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs 1.09), 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.