PWRD vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

PWRD (TCW Transform Systems ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. PWRD is actively managed, while XLE is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, PWRD returned 33.16%/yr vs 15.73%/yr for XLE. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PWRD charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

PWRD vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) 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, PWRD achieves a 21.92% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 23.49% return.

PWRD

• 1D: -4.36%
• 1M: 4.92%
• YTD: 21.92%
• 6M: 19.81%
• 1Y: 36.33%
• 3Y*: 33.16%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLE

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: -7.80%
• YTD: 23.49%
• 6M: 24.07%
• 1Y: 30.55%
• 3Y*: 15.73%
• 5Y*: 18.87%
• 10Y*: 9.37%

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

PWRD vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	21.92%	32.84%	28.54%	20.83%	-3.18%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	23.49%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	33.16%

Correlation

The correlation between PWRD and XLE is -0.06, 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	-0.06
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 3, 2022	0.35

The correlation between PWRD and XLE shifts across timeframes, from -0.06 (1 year) to 0.35 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

PWRD vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

PWRD

PWRD Risk / Return Rank: 46
PWRD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
PWRD Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
PWRD Omega Ratio Rank: 40
PWRD Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
PWRD Martin Ratio Rank: 52

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 42
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 39
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

PWRD vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) 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.

	PWRD	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	1.48	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.99	2.00	-0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.25	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.58	2.18	+0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.57	6.53	+2.04

PWRD vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PWRD Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PWRD 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

PWRD vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PWRD drawdown since its inception was -25.87%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PWRD and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	PWRD	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.87%	-71.26%	+45.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.12%	-14.05%	-0.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.87%	-20.14%	-5.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.04%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-66.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.36%	-12.32%	+7.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.07%	-17.96%	+12.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.25%	4.69%	-0.44%

Volatility

PWRD vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

TCW Transform Systems ETF (PWRD) has a higher volatility of 10.84% compared to State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) at 7.12%. This indicates that PWRD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PWRD	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.84%	7.12%	+3.72%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.67%	16.82%	+3.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.31%	20.93%	+4.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.89%	25.98%	-3.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.89%	29.60%	-6.71%

PWRD vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

PWRD has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

PWRD vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

PWRD has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.79%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PWRD TCW Transform Systems ETF	0.00%	0.22%	0.49%	0.78%	0.91%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.79%	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 PWRD and XLE in my portfolio?

PWRD and XLE have a correlation of -0.06, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PWRD or XLE?

PWRD has higher volatility (10.84%) compared to XLE (7.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PWRD dropped -25.87% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, PWRD or XLE?

On 3-year performance, PWRD leads with 33.16% vs 15.73% for XLE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLE has been the lower-risk option at 7.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PWRD or XLE?

Over the 3-year period, PWRD has performed better with a 33.16% return vs 15.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PWRD or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for PWRD.

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

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.79%, compared with 0.00% for PWRD.

What is the main difference between PWRD and XLE?

They also come from different issuers: TCW and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for PWRD and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.44), 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.