MSI vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MSI (Motorola Solutions, Inc.) is a stock, while XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) is Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Over the past 10 years, MSI returned 21.39%/yr vs 10.22%/yr for XLE. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

MSI vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Motorola Solutions, Inc. (MSI) 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, MSI achieves a 6.82% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 32.17% return. Over the past 10 years, MSI has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 21.39%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 10.22% annualized return.

MSI

• 1D: -1.69%
• 1M: -6.67%
• YTD: 6.82%
• 6M: 9.35%
• 1Y: -2.22%
• 3Y*: 14.28%
• 5Y*: 15.60%
• 10Y*: 21.39%

XLE

• 1D: 1.29%
• 1M: -1.14%
• YTD: 32.17%
• 6M: 29.80%
• 1Y: 45.00%
• 3Y*: 17.46%
• 5Y*: 20.44%
• 10Y*: 10.22%

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

MSI vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MSI Motorola Solutions, Inc.	6.82%	-16.17%	49.12%	23.04%	-3.81%	61.90%	7.35%	42.19%	29.64%	11.44%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	32.17%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between MSI and XLE is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.11
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.17
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.26
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 23, 1998	0.29

The correlation between MSI and XLE shifts across timeframes, from 0.11 (1 year) to 0.29 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

MSI vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

MSI

MSI Risk / Return Rank: 34
MSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
MSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
MSI Omega Ratio Rank: 31
MSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
MSI Martin Ratio Rank: 37

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 63
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 56
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

MSI vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Motorola Solutions, Inc. (MSI) 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.

	MSI	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.09	2.21	-2.30
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.03	2.84	-2.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.35	-0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.09	3.75	-3.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.17	10.92	-11.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MSI vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MSI Sharpe Ratio is -0.09, which is lower than the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 2.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MSI and XLE, 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

	MSI	XLE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09	2.21	-2.30
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68	0.79	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85	0.35	+0.51
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.24	0.31	-0.07

Drawdowns

MSI vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MSI drawdown since its inception was -93.60%, which is greater than XLE's maximum drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MSI and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	MSI	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-93.60%	-71.26%	-22.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.45%	-12.05%	-13.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.01%	-20.14%	-6.87%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.23%	-26.04%	-1.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.81%	-66.81%	+34.00%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.78%	-6.15%	-11.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.72%	-17.98%	-22.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.98%	4.14%	+8.84%

Volatility

MSI vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

Motorola Solutions, Inc. (MSI) has a higher volatility of 14.40% compared to State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) at 8.25%. This indicates that MSI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MSI	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.40%	8.25%	+6.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.68%	16.58%	+3.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.75%	20.53%	+3.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.08%	26.02%	-2.94%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.16%	29.59%	-4.43%

Dividends

MSI vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

MSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.13%, less than XLE's 2.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSI Motorola Solutions, Inc.	1.13%	1.17%	0.87%	1.16%	1.26%	1.07%	1.55%	1.46%	1.85%	2.14%	2.05%	2.09%
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 MSI and XLE in my portfolio?

MSI and XLE have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MSI or XLE?

MSI has higher volatility (14.40%) compared to XLE (8.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MSI dropped -93.60% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.21 vs -0.09), 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.