KBE vs. XLF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

KBE (SPDR S&P Bank ETF) and XLF (State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Financials Equities funds from State Street - KBE tracks the S&P Banks Select Industry Index while XLF tracks the Financial Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, KBE returned 10.94%/yr vs 13.68%/yr for XLF. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. KBE charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLF.

Performance

KBE vs. XLF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KBE achieves a 9.90% return, which is significantly higher than XLF's -1.10% return. Over the past 10 years, KBE has underperformed XLF with an annualized return of 10.94%, while XLF has yielded a comparatively higher 13.68% annualized return.

KBE

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 4.37%
• YTD: 9.90%
• 6M: 6.59%
• 1Y: 27.34%
• 3Y*: 27.15%
• 5Y*: 8.02%
• 10Y*: 10.94%

XLF

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: 3.75%
• YTD: -1.10%
• 6M: -2.09%
• 1Y: 8.66%
• 3Y*: 19.81%
• 5Y*: 10.20%
• 10Y*: 13.68%

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

KBE vs. XLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KBE SPDR S&P Bank ETF	9.90%	12.36%	23.78%	5.30%	-14.83%	33.46%	-8.75%	29.78%	-19.65%	10.49%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	-1.10%	14.90%	30.56%	12.03%	-10.59%	34.80%	-1.74%	31.88%	-13.06%	22.00%

Correlation

The correlation between KBE and XLF is 0.74, 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	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.78
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.83
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 15, 2005	0.90

The correlation between KBE and XLF shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (1 year) to 0.90 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

KBE vs. XLF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KBE	XLF
Financial Services	100.0%	98.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	1.8%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

KBE vs. XLF — Risk / Return Rank

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

KBE

KBE Risk / Return Rank: 36
KBE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
KBE Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
KBE Omega Ratio Rank: 37
KBE Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
KBE Martin Ratio Rank: 34

XLF

XLF Risk / Return Rank: 16
XLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
XLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
XLF Omega Ratio Rank: 16
XLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
XLF Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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. XLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). 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.

	KBE	XLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	0.60	+0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.81	0.89	+0.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.11	+0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.88	0.59	+1.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.93	1.50	+3.43

KBE vs. XLF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KBE Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is higher than the XLF Sharpe Ratio of 0.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KBE and XLF, 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

KBE vs. XLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KBE drawdown since its inception was -83.15%, roughly equal to the maximum XLF drawdown of -82.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KBE and XLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	KBE	XLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-83.15%	-82.69%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.63%	-14.79%	+0.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.97%	-15.54%	-10.43%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.25%	-25.81%	-19.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-53.14%	-42.86%	-10.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.05%	-3.96%	+2.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.47%	-20.00%	-7.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.56%	5.78%	-0.22%

Volatility

KBE vs. XLF - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE) has a higher volatility of 5.74% compared to State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) at 4.12%. This indicates that KBE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KBE	XLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.74%	4.12%	+1.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.07%	11.27%	+3.80%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.64%	14.64%	+7.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.24%	18.58%	+8.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.85%	22.18%	+7.67%

KBE vs. XLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

KBE has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLF's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

KBE vs. XLF - Dividend Comparison

KBE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.78%, more than XLF's 1.82% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KBE SPDR S&P Bank ETF	2.78%	2.51%	2.35%	2.78%	2.99%	2.16%	2.44%	2.33%	2.18%	1.36%	1.39%	1.70%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.82%	1.31%	1.42%	1.71%	2.04%	1.63%	2.03%	1.87%	2.08%	1.48%	21.10%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KBE and XLF in my portfolio?

KBE and XLF have a correlation of 0.74, 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 XLF?

KBE has higher volatility (5.74%) compared to XLF (4.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KBE dropped -83.15% vs XLF's -82.69%.

Which ETF is better, KBE or XLF?

On 10-year performance, XLF leads with 13.68% vs 10.94% for KBE. On fees, XLF is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLF has been the lower-risk option at 4.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KBE or XLF?

Over the 10-year period, XLF has performed better with a 13.68% return vs 10.94%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KBE or XLF?

XLF is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for KBE.

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

KBE has the higher dividend yield at 2.78%, compared with 1.82% for XLF.

What is the main difference between KBE and XLF?

KBE tracks S&P Banks Select Industry Index, while XLF tracks Financial Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for KBE and 0.08% for XLF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KBE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.27 vs 0.59), 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.