KBWB vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

KBWB (Invesco KBW Bank ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KBWB is a Financials Equities fund tracking the KBW Nasdaq Bank Index, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, KBWB returned 13.42%/yr vs 9.91%/yr for XLE. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. KBWB charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

KBWB vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco KBW Bank ETF (KBWB) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KBWB achieves a 10.56% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 29.56% return. Over the past 10 years, KBWB has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 13.42%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.91% annualized return.

KBWB

• 1D: 1.70%
• 1M: 9.79%
• YTD: 10.56%
• 6M: 10.32%
• 1Y: 44.54%
• 3Y*: 33.36%
• 5Y*: 9.84%
• 10Y*: 13.42%

XLE

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -0.90%
• YTD: 29.56%
• 6M: 28.37%
• 1Y: 34.84%
• 3Y*: 16.18%
• 5Y*: 20.12%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

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

KBWB vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KBWB Invesco KBW Bank ETF	10.56%	32.05%	36.73%	-1.18%	-21.68%	37.72%	-10.46%	35.90%	-18.30%	18.11%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	29.56%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between KBWB and XLE is 0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.03
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.32
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2011	0.54

Over the past year, the correlation between KBWB and XLE has dropped to 0.03 - well below their long-term average of 0.54, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

KBWB vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

KBWB vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

KBWB

KBWB Risk / Return Rank: 64
KBWB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
KBWB Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
KBWB Omega Ratio Rank: 69
KBWB Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
KBWB Martin Ratio Rank: 53

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 61
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 54
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

KBWB vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco KBW Bank ETF (KBWB) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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.

	KBWB	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	1.82	+0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	2.40	+0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.30	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	3.10	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.02	8.63	-0.62

KBWB vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KBWB Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KBWB and XLE, 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

KBWB vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KBWB drawdown since its inception was -50.27%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KBWB and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	KBWB	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.27%	-71.26%	+20.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.38%	-12.05%	-4.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.43%	-20.14%	-5.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-49.31%	-26.04%	-23.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-50.27%	-66.81%	+16.54%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-8.01%	+8.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.72%	-17.97%	+6.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.20%	4.32%	+0.88%

Volatility

KBWB vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco KBW Bank ETF (KBWB) is 5.85%, while State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a volatility of 7.26%. This indicates that KBWB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KBWB	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.85%	7.26%	-1.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.79%	16.79%	-1.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.41%	20.57%	-0.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.67%	26.05%	+0.62%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.21%	29.58%	-0.37%

KBWB vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

KBWB has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

KBWB vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

KBWB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.94%, less than XLE's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KBWB Invesco KBW Bank ETF	1.94%	2.04%	2.46%	3.20%	3.05%	2.13%	2.62%	2.38%	2.54%	1.35%	1.53%	1.53%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.59%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KBWB and XLE in my portfolio?

KBWB and XLE have a correlation of 0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KBWB or XLE?

XLE has higher volatility (7.26%) compared to KBWB (5.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KBWB dropped -50.27% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, KBWB or XLE?

On 10-year performance, KBWB leads with 13.42% vs 9.91% for XLE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, KBWB has been the lower-risk option at 5.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KBWB or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, KBWB has performed better with a 13.42% return vs 9.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KBWB or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for KBWB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KBWB or XLE?

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 1.94% for KBWB.

What is the main difference between KBWB and XLE?

KBWB is categorized as Financials Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. KBWB tracks KBW Nasdaq Bank Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for KBWB and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KBWB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.05 vs 1.82), 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.