LVLN vs. XLU

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

LVLN (SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - LVLN is a Bank Loan fund tracking the S&P USD Select Leveraged Loan Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. At a correlation of -0.12, they often move in opposite directions. LVLN charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

LVLN vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, LVLN achieves a 1.73% return, which is significantly lower than XLU's 7.94% return.

LVLN

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: 0.80%
• 6M: 1.47%
• YTD: 1.73%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: 1.56%
• 6M: 5.67%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 1Y: 13.95%
• 3Y*: 14.63%
• 5Y*: 9.79%
• 10Y*: 9.12%

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

LVLN vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
LVLN SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan ETF	1.73%	1.14%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	7.94%	-3.95%

Correlation

The correlation between LVLN and XLU 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 18, 2025	-0.12

Return for Risk

LVLN vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

LVLN

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

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 31
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 29
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

LVLN vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan ETF (LVLN) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	LVLN	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.94	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.35	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.17	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.53	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	3.18	—

Drawdowns

LVLN vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum LVLN drawdown since its inception was -2.34%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for LVLN and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	LVLN	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-2.34%	-51.98%	+49.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.18%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.26%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.26%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-3.46%	+3.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.48%	-10.20%	+9.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.40%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	LVLN	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.48%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.80%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.65%	14.90%	-12.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.65%	17.34%	-14.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	2.65%	19.28%	-16.63%

LVLN vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

LVLN has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

LVLN vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

LVLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.30%, more than XLU's 2.63% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
LVLN SPDR S&P Leveraged Loan ETF	4.30%	0.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.63%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both LVLN and XLU in my portfolio?

LVLN and XLU 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, LVLN or XLU?

On fees, XLU 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, LVLN or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for LVLN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, LVLN or XLU?

LVLN has the higher dividend yield at 4.30%, compared with 2.63% for XLU.

What is the main difference between LVLN and XLU?

LVLN is categorized as Bank Loan, while XLU is Utilities Equities. LVLN tracks S&P USD Select Leveraged Loan Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for LVLN and 0.08% for XLU.