QEFA vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QEFA (SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QEFA is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the MSCI EAFE Factor Mix A-Series (USD), while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, QEFA returned 9.05%/yr vs 9.37%/yr for XLE. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QEFA charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

QEFA vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) 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, QEFA achieves a 6.21% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 23.49% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with QEFA having a 9.05% annualized return and XLE not far ahead at 9.37%.

QEFA

• 1D: -0.89%
• 1M: -1.41%
• YTD: 6.21%
• 6M: 5.79%
• 1Y: 17.01%
• 3Y*: 14.71%
• 5Y*: 7.62%
• 10Y*: 9.05%

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)

QEFA vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
QEFA SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF	6.21%	29.25%	2.27%	17.40%	-14.03%	12.50%	6.76%	21.91%	-10.39%	24.03%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	23.49%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between QEFA and XLE is 0.01, 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	0.01
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.18
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 5, 2014	0.37

Over the past year, the correlation between QEFA and XLE has dropped to 0.01 - well below their long-term average of 0.37, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

QEFA vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QEFA	XLE
Financial Services	14.3%	-
Healthcare	11.4%	-
Technology	10.5%	-
Industrials	9.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.2%	-
Basic Materials	4.9%	-
Energy	4.3%	100.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	-
Communication Services	3.2%	-
Utilities	2.3%	-
Real Estate	1.7%	-

Return for Risk

QEFA vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

QEFA

QEFA Risk / Return Rank: 38
QEFA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
QEFA Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
QEFA Omega Ratio Rank: 36
QEFA Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
QEFA Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

QEFA vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) 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.

	QEFA	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.32	1.48	-0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	2.00	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.25	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.78	2.18	-0.40
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.30	6.53	-0.23

QEFA vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QEFA Sharpe Ratio is 1.32, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QEFA 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

QEFA vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QEFA drawdown since its inception was -31.71%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QEFA and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	QEFA	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.71%	-71.26%	+39.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.58%	-14.05%	+4.47%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.23%	-20.14%	+7.91%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.09%	-26.04%	-2.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.71%	-66.81%	+35.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.46%	-12.32%	+8.86%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.07%	-17.96%	+11.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.71%	4.69%	-1.98%

Volatility

QEFA vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) is 3.70%, while State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a volatility of 7.12%. This indicates that QEFA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QEFA	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	7.12%	-3.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.63%	16.82%	-6.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.99%	20.93%	-7.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.81%	25.98%	-11.17%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.87%	29.60%	-13.73%

QEFA vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

QEFA has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

QEFA vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

QEFA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.89%, more than XLE's 2.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
QEFA SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF	2.89%	3.13%	3.17%	2.79%	3.02%	2.37%	1.82%	2.95%	3.22%	2.33%	2.01%	2.94%
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 QEFA and XLE in my portfolio?

QEFA and XLE have a correlation of 0.01, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QEFA or XLE?

XLE has higher volatility (7.12%) compared to QEFA (3.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QEFA dropped -31.71% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, QEFA or XLE?

On 10-year performance, XLE leads with 9.37% vs 9.05% for QEFA. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, QEFA has been the lower-risk option at 3.70%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QEFA or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, XLE has performed better with a 9.37% return vs 9.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QEFA or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.30% for QEFA.

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

QEFA has the higher dividend yield at 2.89%, compared with 2.79% for XLE.

What is the main difference between QEFA and XLE?

QEFA is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. QEFA tracks MSCI EAFE Factor Mix A-Series (USD), while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for QEFA and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.32), 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.