KXI vs. ICLN

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

KXI (iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF) and ICLN (iShares Global Clean Energy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KXI is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the S&P Global 1200 Consumer Staples Sector Capped Index (USD) (Net), while ICLN is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Clean Energy Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, KXI returned 5.83%/yr vs 8.55%/yr for ICLN. Their 0.46 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. Both charge a 0.39% expense ratio.

Performance

KXI vs. ICLN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) and iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, KXI achieves a 8.30% return, which is significantly higher than ICLN's 7.10% return. Over the past 10 years, KXI has underperformed ICLN with an annualized return of 5.83%, while ICLN has yielded a comparatively higher 8.55% annualized return.

KXI

• 1D: -0.86%
• 1M: 0.16%
• 6M: 2.84%
• YTD: 8.30%
• 1Y: 10.16%
• 3Y*: 6.59%
• 5Y*: 4.80%
• 10Y*: 5.83%
• ALL TIME*: 7.60%

ICLN

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -10.78%
• 6M: -3.05%
• YTD: 7.10%
• 1Y: 31.07%
• 3Y*: 0.63%
• 5Y*: -3.76%
• 10Y*: 8.55%
• ALL TIME*: -3.93%

*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)
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	$109.16M	$91.32M	$121.79M
KXI iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF	$8.17M	$7.09M	$5.18M

KXI vs. ICLN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
KXI iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF	8.30%	9.68%	4.20%	2.41%	-6.02%	13.71%	7.69%	23.40%	-10.71%	17.60%
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	7.10%	47.05%	-25.72%	-20.41%	-5.43%	-24.18%	141.82%	44.36%	-9.03%	21.47%

Correlation

The correlation between KXI and ICLN is -0.13, meaning they have often moved in opposite directions in the past. This relationship can weaken or reverse as market conditions change.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	-0.13
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.18
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.27
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 25, 2008	0.46

The correlation between KXI and ICLN shifts across timeframes, from -0.13 (1 year) to 0.46 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

KXI vs. ICLN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	KXI	ICLN
Consumer Defensive	97.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.0%	0.1%
Basic Materials	-	1.7%
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	8.3%
Financial Services	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	22.6%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	25.0%
Utilities	-	40.9%

Return for Risk

KXI vs. ICLN — Risk / Return Rank

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

KXI

KXI Risk / Return Rank: 32
KXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
KXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
KXI Omega Ratio Rank: 33
KXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
KXI Martin Ratio Rank: 26

ICLN

ICLN Risk / Return Rank: 39
ICLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
ICLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
ICLN Omega Ratio Rank: 40
ICLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
ICLN Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

KXI vs. ICLN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) and iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN). 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.

	KXI	ICLN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.86	1.06	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.31	1.55	-0.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.19	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.09	1.13	-0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.15	3.93	-1.78

KXI vs. ICLN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current KXI Sharpe Ratio is 0.86, which is comparable to the ICLN Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of KXI and ICLN, 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

KXI vs. ICLN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KXI drawdown since its inception was -42.27%, smaller than the maximum ICLN drawdown of -87.15%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KXI and ICLN.

Drawdown Indicators

	KXI	ICLN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.27%	-87.15%	+44.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.24%	-28.78%	+18.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.31%	-36.96%	+26.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.45%	-57.16%	+39.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.59%	-66.75%	+42.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.82%	-52.08%	+47.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.37%	-66.42%	+61.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.19%	8.23%	-3.04%

Volatility

KXI vs. ICLN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) is 5.66%, while iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN) has a volatility of 10.74%. This indicates that KXI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ICLN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	KXI	ICLN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.66%	10.74%	-5.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.02%	25.25%	-14.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.06%	30.58%	-17.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.73%	28.04%	-15.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.80%	27.51%	-13.71%

KXI vs. ICLN - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both KXI and ICLN have an expense ratio of 0.39%.

Dividends

KXI vs. ICLN - Dividend Comparison

KXI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.32%, more than ICLN's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICLN iShares Global Clean Energy ETF	1.05%	1.63%	1.85%	1.59%	0.89%	1.18%	0.34%	1.36%	2.77%	2.49%	3.88%	2.36%
KXI iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF	2.32%	2.29%	2.51%	2.99%	1.98%	2.26%	2.34%	2.17%	2.97%	2.17%	2.34%	2.20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both KXI and ICLN in my portfolio?

KXI and ICLN have a correlation of -0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, KXI or ICLN?

ICLN has higher volatility (10.74%) compared to KXI (5.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, KXI dropped -42.27% vs ICLN's -87.15%.

Which ETF is better, KXI or ICLN?

On 10-year performance, ICLN leads with 8.55% vs 5.83% for KXI. Both ETFs have the same 0.39% expense ratio. On volatility, KXI has been the lower-risk option at 5.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, KXI or ICLN?

Over the 10-year period, ICLN has performed better with a 8.55% return vs 5.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, KXI or ICLN?

KXI and ICLN have the same expense ratio: 0.39% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, KXI or ICLN?

KXI has the higher dividend yield at 2.32%, compared with 1.05% for ICLN.

What is the main difference between KXI and ICLN?

KXI is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while ICLN is Alternative Energy Equities. KXI tracks S&P Global 1200 Consumer Staples Sector Capped Index (USD) (Net), while ICLN tracks S&P Global Clean Energy Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ICLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.06 vs 0.86), 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.