MUSQ vs. XLC

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

MUSQ (MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both Communications Equities funds - MUSQ tracks the MUSQ Global Music Industry Index while XLC tracks the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, MUSQ returned 1.53%/yr vs 20.49%/yr for XLC. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MUSQ charges 0.76%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

MUSQ vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF (MUSQ) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MUSQ achieves a -8.68% return, which is significantly lower than XLC's -4.61% return.

MUSQ

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 1.09%
• 6M: -8.38%
• YTD: -8.68%
• 1Y: -8.72%
• 3Y*: 1.53%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLC

• 1D: 1.02%
• 1M: 0.25%
• 6M: -4.77%
• YTD: -4.61%
• 1Y: 6.63%
• 3Y*: 20.49%
• 5Y*: 7.56%
• 10Y*: —

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

MUSQ vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MUSQ MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF	-8.68%	19.60%	-4.94%	0.81%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.61%	23.08%	34.71%	11.86%

Correlation

The correlation between MUSQ and XLC is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 2023	0.68

The correlation between MUSQ and XLC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.64 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

MUSQ vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MUSQ	XLC
Communication Services	70.0%	91.0%
Technology	14.1%	8.9%
Consumer Cyclical	11.2%	-
Industrials	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

MUSQ vs. XLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

MUSQ

MUSQ Risk / Return Rank: 5
MUSQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
MUSQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
MUSQ Omega Ratio Rank: 5
MUSQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
MUSQ Martin Ratio Rank: 5

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 17
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 16
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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.

MUSQ vs. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF (MUSQ) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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.

	MUSQ	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.52	0.43	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.64	0.71	-1.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.08	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.40	0.52	-0.91
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.85	1.46	-2.31

MUSQ vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MUSQ Sharpe Ratio is -0.52, which is lower than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MUSQ and XLC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

MUSQ vs. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MUSQ drawdown since its inception was -23.11%, smaller than the maximum XLC drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MUSQ and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	MUSQ	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.11%	-46.65%	+23.54%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.11%	-11.57%	-11.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.11%	-17.97%	-5.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-46.65%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.81%	-6.49%	-8.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.90%	-10.56%	+3.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.77%	4.07%	+6.70%

Volatility

MUSQ vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF (MUSQ) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) have volatilities of 5.65% and 5.57%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MUSQ	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.65%	5.57%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.23%	10.86%	+3.37%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.44%	13.80%	+3.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.92%	20.77%	-2.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.92%	22.15%	-4.23%

MUSQ vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

MUSQ has a 0.76% expense ratio, which is higher than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

MUSQ vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

MUSQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.69%, less than XLC's 1.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
MUSQ MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF	0.69%	0.63%	1.08%	0.74%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.28%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MUSQ and XLC in my portfolio?

MUSQ and XLC have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MUSQ or XLC?

MUSQ has higher volatility (5.65%) compared to XLC (5.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MUSQ dropped -23.11% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, MUSQ or XLC?

On 3-year performance, XLC leads with 20.49% vs 1.53% for MUSQ. On fees, XLC is cheaper at 0.13% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MUSQ or XLC?

Over the 3-year period, XLC has performed better with a 20.49% return vs 1.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MUSQ or XLC?

XLC is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for MUSQ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, MUSQ or XLC?

XLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.28%, compared with 0.69% for MUSQ.

What is the main difference between MUSQ and XLC?

MUSQ tracks MUSQ Global Music Industry Index, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Exchange Traded Concepts and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.76% for MUSQ and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.43 vs -0.52), 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.