NFRA vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NFRA (FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds - NFRA tracks the STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index while XLU tracks the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, NFRA returned 7.17%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for XLU. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NFRA charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

NFRA vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA) 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, NFRA achieves a 8.93% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 3.11% return. Over the past 10 years, NFRA has underperformed XLU with an annualized return of 7.17%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.15% annualized return.

NFRA

• 1D: -1.08%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 8.93%
• 6M: 9.67%
• 1Y: 13.59%
• 3Y*: 12.91%
• 5Y*: 5.56%
• 10Y*: 7.17%

XLU

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -5.74%
• YTD: 3.11%
• 6M: 1.25%
• 1Y: 9.11%
• 3Y*: 13.74%
• 5Y*: 9.25%
• 10Y*: 9.15%

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

NFRA vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
NFRA FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund	8.93%	18.42%	4.76%	8.96%	-10.11%	9.61%	2.24%	26.27%	-7.74%	15.92%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.11%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between NFRA and XLU is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.68
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.69
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.63
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 10, 2013	0.61

The correlation between NFRA and XLU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

NFRA vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NFRA	XLU
Industrials	25.9%	-
Utilities	25.0%	100.0%
Communication Services	21.8%	-
Energy	11.6%	-
Real Estate	4.7%	-
Healthcare	3.6%	-
Technology	1.8%	-
Financial Services	0.7%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-

Return for Risk

NFRA vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

NFRA

NFRA Risk / Return Rank: 37
NFRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
NFRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 36
NFRA Omega Ratio Rank: 35
NFRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
NFRA Martin Ratio Rank: 38

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 19
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 18
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

NFRA vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA) 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.

	NFRA	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	0.63	+0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.89	0.94	+0.95
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.12	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.87	1.00	+0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.01	2.24	+3.77
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NFRA vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NFRA Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NFRA 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

	NFRA	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.32	0.63	+0.69
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.43	0.54	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.48	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.40	+0.08

Drawdowns

NFRA vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NFRA drawdown since its inception was -32.49%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NFRA and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	NFRA	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.49%	-51.98%	+19.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.28%	-9.18%	+1.90%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.15%	-17.26%	+6.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.75%	-25.26%	+2.51%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-32.49%	-36.07%	+3.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.15%	-7.78%	+5.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.53%	-10.22%	+5.69%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.27%	4.09%	-1.82%

Volatility

NFRA vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA) is 3.35%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.41%. This indicates that NFRA 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

	NFRA	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.35%	5.41%	-2.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.30%	11.53%	-3.23%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.37%	14.57%	-4.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.98%	17.32%	-4.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.97%	19.26%	-4.29%

NFRA vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

NFRA has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

NFRA vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

NFRA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.54%, more than XLU's 2.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NFRA FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund	5.54%	6.00%	3.33%	2.57%	2.28%	2.71%	2.22%	2.27%	3.06%	2.81%	2.98%	2.47%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.72%	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 NFRA and XLU in my portfolio?

NFRA and XLU have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NFRA or XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to NFRA (3.35%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NFRA dropped -32.49% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, NFRA or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.15% vs 7.17% for NFRA. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, NFRA has been the lower-risk option at 3.35%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NFRA or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.15% return vs 7.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NFRA or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for NFRA.

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

NFRA has the higher dividend yield at 5.54%, compared with 2.72% for XLU.

What is the main difference between NFRA and XLU?

NFRA tracks STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: FlexShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for NFRA and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NFRA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.32 vs 0.63), 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.