MFDX vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

MFDX (PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MFDX is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, MFDX returned 9.63%/yr vs 9.10%/yr for XLU. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MFDX charges 0.39%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

MFDX vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) 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, MFDX achieves a 8.03% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 2.66% return.

MFDX

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: -2.47%
• YTD: 8.03%
• 6M: 10.99%
• 1Y: 20.50%
• 3Y*: 17.76%
• 5Y*: 9.63%
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -2.68%
• YTD: 2.66%
• 6M: 3.35%
• 1Y: 10.26%
• 3Y*: 12.85%
• 5Y*: 9.10%
• 10Y*: 8.99%

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

MFDX vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	8.03%	34.27%	4.40%	17.54%	-10.27%	11.07%	6.90%	19.88%	-14.88%	7.02%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.66%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	-2.04%

Correlation

The correlation between MFDX and XLU is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 7, 2017	0.33

MFDX vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MFDX	XLU
Industrials	19.9%	-
Financial Services	16.4%	-
Basic Materials	10.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	8.0%	-
Technology	7.1%	-
Communication Services	7.0%	-
Energy	6.8%	-
Utilities	6.4%	100.0%
Healthcare	6.0%	-
Real Estate	3.0%	-

Return for Risk

MFDX vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

MFDX

MFDX Risk / Return Rank: 47
MFDX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
MFDX Sortino Ratio Rank: 46
MFDX Omega Ratio Rank: 47
MFDX Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
MFDX Martin Ratio Rank: 49

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 21
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 21

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.

MFDX vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) 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.

	MFDX	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	0.71	+0.78
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	1.04	+1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.13	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.93	1.12	+0.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.62	2.47	+5.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MFDX vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MFDX Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MFDX and XLU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	MFDX	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.48	0.71	+0.78
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64	0.53	+0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.47	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.53	0.40	+0.13

Drawdowns

MFDX vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MFDX drawdown since its inception was -36.05%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MFDX and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	MFDX	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.05%	-51.98%	+15.93%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.66%	-9.18%	-1.48%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.62%	-17.26%	+5.64%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.58%	-25.26%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.36%	-8.18%	+4.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.49%	-10.22%	+3.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	4.16%	-1.46%

Volatility

MFDX vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF (MFDX) is 4.25%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.60%. This indicates that MFDX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MFDX	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.25%	5.60%	-1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.62%	11.70%	-0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.94%	14.64%	-0.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.07%	17.34%	-2.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.42%	19.27%	-2.85%

MFDX vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

MFDX has a 0.39% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

MFDX vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

MFDX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.84%, more than XLU's 2.73% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MFDX PIMCO RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor International Equity ETF	2.84%	2.97%	3.16%	3.12%	2.85%	2.99%	1.58%	2.88%	2.13%	0.71%	0.00%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.73%	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 MFDX and XLU in my portfolio?

MFDX and XLU have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MFDX or XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.60%) compared to MFDX (4.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MFDX dropped -36.05% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, MFDX or XLU?

On 5-year performance, MFDX leads with 9.63% vs 9.10% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, MFDX has been the lower-risk option at 4.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MFDX or XLU?

Over the 5-year period, MFDX has performed better with a 9.63% return vs 9.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MFDX or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.39% for MFDX.

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

MFDX has the higher dividend yield at 2.84%, compared with 2.73% for XLU.

What is the main difference between MFDX and XLU?

MFDX is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. MFDX tracks RAFI Dynamic Multi-Factor Developed Ex-U.S. Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: PIMCO and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.39% for MFDX and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MFDX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 0.70), 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.