QTUM vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

QTUM (Defiance Quantum ETF) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - QTUM is a Technology Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index, while XLC is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, QTUM returned 29.16%/yr vs 8.31%/yr for XLC. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. QTUM charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

QTUM vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, QTUM achieves a 53.56% return, which is significantly higher than XLC's -4.39% return.

QTUM

• 1D: 4.18%
• 1M: 17.45%
• YTD: 53.56%
• 6M: 53.19%
• 1Y: 94.08%
• 3Y*: 50.50%
• 5Y*: 29.16%
• 10Y*: —

XLC

• 1D: 0.48%
• 1M: -3.35%
• YTD: -4.39%
• 6M: -3.14%
• 1Y: 10.72%
• 3Y*: 21.42%
• 5Y*: 8.31%
• 10Y*: —

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

QTUM vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	53.56%	36.65%	50.54%	39.86%	-28.80%	35.18%	42.05%	47.99%	-19.44%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.39%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-14.50%

Correlation

The correlation between QTUM and XLC is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 5, 2018	0.67

Over the past year, the correlation between QTUM and XLC has dropped to 0.39 - well below their long-term average of 0.67, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

QTUM vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QTUM	XLC
Technology	83.6%	4.7%
Industrials	8.7%	-
Communication Services	4.8%	95.1%
Consumer Cyclical	0.7%	-
Healthcare	0.6%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

QTUM vs. XLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

QTUM

QTUM Risk / Return Rank: 92
QTUM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
QTUM Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
QTUM Omega Ratio Rank: 90
QTUM Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
QTUM Martin Ratio Rank: 93

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 24
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 23
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

QTUM vs. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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.

	QTUM	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.31	0.81	+2.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.78	1.25	+2.53
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.51	1.14	+0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.20	1.02	+5.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.43	3.21	+19.22

QTUM vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QTUM Sharpe Ratio is 3.31, which is higher than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QTUM and XLC, 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

QTUM vs. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QTUM drawdown since its inception was -38.45%, smaller than the maximum XLC drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QTUM and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	QTUM	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.45%	-46.65%	+8.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.26%	-10.57%	-4.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.39%	-17.97%	-7.42%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.45%	-46.65%	+8.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.42%	-6.27%	+5.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.24%	-10.58%	+2.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.21%	3.35%	+0.86%

Volatility

QTUM vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

Defiance Quantum ETF (QTUM) has a higher volatility of 14.65% compared to Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) at 3.61%. This indicates that QTUM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	QTUM	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.65%	3.61%	+11.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.48%	9.66%	+13.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.64%	13.25%	+15.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.06%	20.68%	+6.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.43%	22.17%	+5.26%

QTUM vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

QTUM has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

QTUM vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

QTUM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.70%, less than XLC's 1.24% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
QTUM Defiance Quantum ETF	0.70%	1.01%	0.61%	0.81%	1.46%	0.48%	0.42%	0.61%	0.21%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.24%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QTUM and XLC in my portfolio?

QTUM and XLC have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QTUM or XLC?

QTUM has higher volatility (14.65%) compared to XLC (3.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QTUM dropped -38.45% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, QTUM or XLC?

On 5-year performance, QTUM leads with 29.16% vs 8.31% for XLC. On fees, XLC is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLC has been the lower-risk option at 3.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QTUM or XLC?

Over the 5-year period, QTUM has performed better with a 29.16% return vs 8.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QTUM or XLC?

XLC is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for QTUM.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, QTUM or XLC?

XLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.24%, compared with 0.70% for QTUM.

What is the main difference between QTUM and XLC?

QTUM is categorized as Technology Equities, while XLC is Communications Equities. QTUM tracks BlueStar Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Index, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Defiance and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for QTUM and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QTUM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.31 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.