PAVE vs. XLI

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

PAVE (Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF) and XLI (Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - PAVE is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the INDXX U.S. Infrastructure Development Index, while XLI is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the Industrial Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PAVE returned 17.29%/yr vs 12.35%/yr for XLI. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PAVE charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLI.

Performance

PAVE vs. XLI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE) and Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PAVE achieves a 19.04% return, which is significantly higher than XLI's 12.61% return.

PAVE

• 1D: 1.63%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 19.04%
• 6M: 19.47%
• 1Y: 38.20%
• 3Y*: 26.48%
• 5Y*: 17.29%
• 10Y*: —

XLI

• 1D: 1.04%
• 1M: 0.71%
• YTD: 12.61%
• 6M: 14.74%
• 1Y: 23.76%
• 3Y*: 21.75%
• 5Y*: 12.35%
• 10Y*: 14.00%

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

PAVE vs. XLI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PAVE Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF	19.04%	19.36%	17.92%	31.01%	-7.17%	36.42%	19.72%	33.26%	-19.15%	14.11%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	12.61%	19.35%	17.31%	18.13%	-5.57%	21.08%	10.91%	29.08%	-13.25%	17.34%

Correlation

The correlation between PAVE and XLI is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 9, 2017	0.92

The correlation between PAVE and XLI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

PAVE vs. XLI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PAVE	XLI
Industrials	74.8%	90.3%
Basic Materials	20.3%	-
Utilities	3.2%	5.2%
Technology	1.1%	3.8%
Consumer Defensive	0.3%	-
Energy	0.2%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

PAVE vs. XLI — Risk / Return Rank

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

PAVE

PAVE Risk / Return Rank: 61
PAVE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
PAVE Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
PAVE Omega Ratio Rank: 55
PAVE Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
PAVE Martin Ratio Rank: 64

XLI

XLI Risk / Return Rank: 43
XLI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
XLI Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
XLI Omega Ratio Rank: 41
XLI Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
XLI Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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. XLI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE) and Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI). 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.

	PAVE	XLI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.04	1.55	+0.49
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.88	2.27	+0.61
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.27	+0.08
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.22	1.93	+1.28
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.84	7.70	+4.14
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

PAVE vs. XLI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PAVE Sharpe Ratio is 2.04, which is higher than the XLI Sharpe Ratio of 1.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PAVE and XLI, 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

	PAVE	XLI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.04	1.55	+0.49
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.80	0.71	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.68	0.45	+0.22

Drawdowns

PAVE vs. XLI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PAVE drawdown since its inception was -44.08%, smaller than the maximum XLI drawdown of -62.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PAVE and XLI.

Drawdown Indicators

	PAVE	XLI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.08%	-62.26%	+18.18%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.91%	-12.21%	+0.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.23%	-18.49%	-7.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.23%	-21.64%	-4.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.50%	-2.36%	-0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.24%	-9.21%	+2.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.24%	3.07%	+0.17%

Volatility

PAVE vs. XLI - Volatility Comparison

Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF (PAVE) has a higher volatility of 6.46% compared to Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) at 4.96%. This indicates that PAVE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PAVE	XLI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.46%	4.96%	+1.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.22%	12.88%	+2.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.84%	15.38%	+3.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.60%	17.42%	+4.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.39%	19.99%	+4.40%

PAVE vs. XLI - Expense Ratio Comparison

PAVE has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than XLI's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

PAVE vs. XLI - Dividend Comparison

PAVE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, less than XLI's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PAVE Global X US Infrastructure Development ETF	0.77%	0.92%	0.54%	0.68%	0.84%	0.48%	0.44%	0.67%	0.78%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.17%	1.29%	1.44%	1.63%	1.63%	1.25%	1.55%	1.94%	2.15%	1.77%	2.07%	2.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PAVE and XLI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, PAVE and XLI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, PAVE or XLI?

PAVE has higher volatility (6.46%) compared to XLI (4.96%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PAVE dropped -44.08% vs XLI's -62.26%.

Which ETF is better, PAVE or XLI?

On 5-year performance, PAVE leads with 17.29% vs 12.35% for XLI. On fees, XLI is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLI has been the lower-risk option at 4.96%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PAVE or XLI?

Over the 5-year period, PAVE has performed better with a 17.29% return vs 12.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PAVE or XLI?

XLI is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for PAVE.

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

XLI has the higher dividend yield at 1.17%, compared with 0.77% for PAVE.

What is the main difference between PAVE and XLI?

PAVE is categorized as Utilities Equities, while XLI is Industrials Equities. PAVE tracks INDXX U.S. Infrastructure Development Index, while XLI tracks Industrial Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for PAVE and 0.13% for XLI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PAVE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.04 vs 1.55), 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.