KYLD vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

KYLD (Kurv High Income ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - KYLD is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Kurv, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. KYLD is actively managed, while XLE is passively managed. At a correlation of -0.12, they often move in opposite directions. KYLD charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

KYLD vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Kurv High Income ETF (KYLD) 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, KYLD achieves a 17.79% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 32.26% return.

KYLD

• 1D: -0.49%
• 1M: 8.94%
• YTD: 17.79%
• 6M: 12.48%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLE

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -1.18%
• YTD: 32.26%
• 6M: 29.34%
• 1Y: 47.98%
• 3Y*: 17.74%
• 5Y*: 20.45%
• 10Y*: 9.99%

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

KYLD vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
KYLD Kurv High Income ETF	17.79%	-10.91%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	32.26%	2.33%

Correlation

The correlation between KYLD and XLE is -0.12, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2025	-0.12

Return for Risk

KYLD vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 70
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 64
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

KYLD vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Kurv High Income ETF (KYLD) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	KYLD	XLE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.79	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.34	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	0.31	-0.05

Drawdowns

KYLD vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum KYLD drawdown since its inception was -20.69%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for KYLD and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	KYLD	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.69%	-71.26%	+50.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-12.05%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.14%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.04%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-66.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.49%	-6.09%	+5.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.51%	-17.98%	+9.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.15%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	KYLD	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.25%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.51%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.73%	20.50%	+12.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.73%	26.01%	+6.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.73%	29.58%	+3.15%

KYLD vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

KYLD has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

KYLD vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

KYLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.13%, more than XLE's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
KYLD Kurv High Income ETF	17.13%	6.14%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.54%	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 KYLD and XLE in my portfolio?

KYLD and XLE have a correlation of -0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, KYLD or XLE?

On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, KYLD or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for KYLD.

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

KYLD has the higher dividend yield at 17.13%, compared with 2.54% for XLE.

What is the main difference between KYLD and XLE?

KYLD is categorized as Derivative Income, while XLE is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: Kurv and State Street. Their fees differ too: 1.00% for KYLD and 0.08% for XLE.