PIT vs. XOP

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

PIT (VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF) and XOP (SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PIT is a Commodities fund actively managed by VanEck, while XOP is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry. PIT is actively managed, while XOP is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PIT returned 19.03%/yr vs 8.56%/yr for XOP. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PIT charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XOP.

Performance

PIT vs. XOP - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) and SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PIT achieves a 29.50% return, which is significantly higher than XOP's 26.71% return.

PIT

• 1D: -0.32%
• 1M: -3.23%
• 6M: 25.36%
• YTD: 29.50%
• 1Y: 40.55%
• 3Y*: 19.03%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XOP

• 1D: -0.56%
• 1M: -2.49%
• 6M: 25.57%
• YTD: 26.71%
• 1Y: 21.93%
• 3Y*: 8.56%
• 5Y*: 13.75%
• 10Y*: 2.97%

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

PIT vs. XOP - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	29.50%	21.63%	6.77%	-4.54%	1.67%
XOP SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF	26.71%	-2.15%	-1.00%	3.56%	-0.69%

Correlation

The correlation between PIT and XOP is 0.63, 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	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2022	0.61

The correlation between PIT and XOP has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PIT vs. XOP — Risk / Return Rank

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

PIT

PIT Risk / Return Rank: 69
PIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
PIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
PIT Omega Ratio Rank: 73
PIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
PIT Martin Ratio Rank: 61

XOP

XOP Risk / Return Rank: 27
XOP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
XOP Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
XOP Omega Ratio Rank: 26
XOP Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XOP Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

PIT vs. XOP - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) and SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP). 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.

	PIT	XOP	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	0.81	+1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	1.22	+1.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.15	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.48	1.23	+1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.70	3.01	+5.69

PIT vs. XOP - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PIT Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is higher than the XOP Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PIT and XOP, 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

PIT vs. XOP - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PIT drawdown since its inception was -17.20%, smaller than the maximum XOP drawdown of -90.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PIT and XOP.

Drawdown Indicators

	PIT	XOP	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.20%	-90.27%	+73.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.20%	-18.50%	+1.30%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.20%	-34.98%	+17.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.98%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-82.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.57%	-40.77%	+28.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.23%	-42.57%	+38.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.88%	7.54%	-2.66%

Volatility

PIT vs. XOP - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) is 5.78%, while SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP) has a volatility of 7.88%. This indicates that PIT experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XOP based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PIT	XOP	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.78%	7.88%	-2.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.58%	22.07%	-2.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.84%	28.03%	-6.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.58%	33.73%	-16.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.58%	40.17%	-22.59%

PIT vs. XOP - Expense Ratio Comparison

PIT has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than XOP's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

PIT vs. XOP - Dividend Comparison

PIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.88%, more than XOP's 2.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	6.88%	8.92%	3.59%	6.44%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XOP SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF	2.05%	2.62%	2.45%	2.63%	2.47%	1.61%	2.34%	1.47%	0.99%	0.76%	0.76%	2.21%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PIT and XOP in my portfolio?

PIT and XOP have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PIT or XOP?

XOP has higher volatility (7.88%) compared to PIT (5.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PIT dropped -17.20% vs XOP's -90.27%.

Which ETF is better, PIT or XOP?

On 3-year performance, PIT leads with 19.03% vs 8.56% for XOP. On fees, XOP is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, PIT has been the lower-risk option at 5.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PIT or XOP?

Over the 3-year period, PIT has performed better with a 19.03% return vs 8.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PIT or XOP?

XOP is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for PIT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PIT or XOP?

PIT has the higher dividend yield at 6.88%, compared with 2.05% for XOP.

What is the main difference between PIT and XOP?

PIT is categorized as Commodities, while XOP is Energy Equities. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for PIT and 0.35% for XOP.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 0.81), 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.