MARS vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

MARS (Roundhill Space & Technology ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. MARS is actively managed, while XLK is passively managed. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MARS charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

MARS vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Roundhill Space & Technology ETF (MARS) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

MARS

• 1D: 3.41%
• 1M: 25.54%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLK

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: 16.63%
• YTD: 34.34%
• 6M: 33.10%
• 1Y: 64.08%
• 3Y*: 33.46%
• 5Y*: 23.44%
• 10Y*: 25.62%

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

MARS vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
MARS Roundhill Space & Technology ETF	53.15%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	37.97%

Correlation

The correlation between MARS and XLK is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 6, 2026	0.48

Return for Risk

MARS vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 82
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 83
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 79
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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.

MARS vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Roundhill Space & Technology ETF (MARS) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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

	MARS	XLK	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	3.09	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.95	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	1.05	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	7.25	0.41	+6.83

Drawdowns

MARS vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MARS drawdown since its inception was -19.50%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MARS and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	MARS	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-19.50%	-82.05%	+62.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.92%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.66%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-33.56%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.76%	-2.54%	-14.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.52%	-34.95%	+31.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.74%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	MARS	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.27%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.76%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	62.61%	20.86%	+41.75%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	62.61%	24.90%	+37.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	62.61%	24.49%	+38.12%

MARS vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

MARS has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

MARS vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

MARS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.40%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MARS Roundhill Space & Technology ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.40%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MARS and XLK in my portfolio?

MARS and XLK have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, MARS or XLK?

On fees, XLK 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, MARS or XLK?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for MARS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MARS or XLK?

XLK has the higher dividend yield at 0.40%, compared with 0.00% for MARS.

What is the main difference between MARS and XLK?

They also come from different issuers: Roundhill and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for MARS and 0.08% for XLK.