PAVE vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

PAVE (Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PAVE is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the INDXX U.S. Infrastructure Development Index, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PAVE returned 17.84%/yr vs 20.12%/yr for XLE. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PAVE charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

PAVE vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE) 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, PAVE achieves a 20.86% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 29.56% return.

PAVE

• 1D: 1.01%
• 1M: 1.64%
• YTD: 20.86%
• 6M: 18.50%
• 1Y: 38.94%
• 3Y*: 25.14%
• 5Y*: 17.84%
• 10Y*: —

XLE

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -0.90%
• YTD: 29.56%
• 6M: 28.37%
• 1Y: 34.84%
• 3Y*: 16.18%
• 5Y*: 20.12%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

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

PAVE vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PAVE Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF	20.86%	19.36%	17.92%	31.01%	-7.17%	36.42%	19.72%	33.26%	-19.15%	13.41%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	29.56%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	4.39%

Correlation

The correlation between PAVE and XLE is 0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.03
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.30
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 8, 2017	0.54

Over the past year, the correlation between PAVE and XLE has dropped to 0.03 - well below their long-term average of 0.54, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

PAVE vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PAVE	XLE
Industrials	74.8%	-
Basic Materials	20.3%	-
Utilities	3.2%	-
Technology	1.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.3%	-
Energy	0.2%	100.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

PAVE vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

PAVE

PAVE Risk / Return Rank: 67
PAVE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
PAVE Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
PAVE Omega Ratio Rank: 60
PAVE Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
PAVE Martin Ratio Rank: 70

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 61
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 54
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

PAVE vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE) 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.

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.

	PAVE	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.90	1.82	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.69	2.40	+0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.30	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.11	3.10	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.32	8.63	+2.69

PAVE vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PAVE Sharpe Ratio is 1.90, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PAVE 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.

Drawdowns

PAVE vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PAVE drawdown since its inception was -44.08%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PAVE and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	PAVE	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.08%	-71.26%	+27.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.91%	-12.05%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.23%	-20.14%	-6.09%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.23%	-26.04%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-66.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.01%	-8.01%	+7.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.23%	-17.97%	+11.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.27%	4.32%	-1.05%

Volatility

PAVE vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) have volatilities of 7.35% and 7.26%, 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

	PAVE	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.35%	7.26%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.87%	16.79%	-0.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.49%	20.57%	-1.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.70%	26.05%	-4.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.40%	29.58%	-5.18%

PAVE vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

PAVE has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

PAVE vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

PAVE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.76%, less than XLE's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PAVE Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF	0.76%	0.92%	0.54%	0.68%	0.84%	0.48%	0.44%	0.67%	0.78%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.59%	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 PAVE and XLE in my portfolio?

PAVE and XLE have a correlation of 0.03, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PAVE or XLE?

PAVE has higher volatility (7.35%) compared to XLE (7.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PAVE dropped -44.08% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, PAVE or XLE?

On 5-year performance, XLE leads with 20.12% vs 17.84% for PAVE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% 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, PAVE or XLE?

Over the 5-year period, XLE has performed better with a 20.12% return vs 17.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PAVE or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for PAVE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PAVE or XLE?

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 0.76% for PAVE.

What is the main difference between PAVE and XLE?

PAVE is categorized as Industrials Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. PAVE tracks INDXX U.S. Infrastructure Development Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for PAVE and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PAVE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 1.82), 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.