RIFR vs. XLI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RIFR (Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF) and XLI (Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both Industrials Equities funds. RIFR is actively managed, while XLI is passively managed. Over the past year, RIFR returned 12.80% vs 22.72% for XLI. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RIFR charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLI.

Performance

RIFR vs. XLI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) 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, RIFR achieves a 8.62% return, which is significantly lower than XLI's 12.52% return.

RIFR

• 1D: -0.38%
• 1M: -1.89%
• YTD: 8.62%
• 6M: 8.08%
• 1Y: 12.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLI

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 1.80%
• YTD: 12.52%
• 6M: 13.57%
• 1Y: 22.72%
• 3Y*: 21.72%
• 5Y*: 12.26%
• 10Y*: 13.99%

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

RIFR vs. XLI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
RIFR Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF	8.62%	7.21%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	12.52%	11.50%

Correlation

The correlation between RIFR and XLI is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 15, 2025	0.48

Return for Risk

RIFR vs. XLI — Risk / Return Rank

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

RIFR

RIFR Risk / Return Rank: 36
RIFR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
RIFR Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
RIFR Omega Ratio Rank: 33
RIFR Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
RIFR Martin Ratio Rank: 39

XLI

XLI Risk / Return Rank: 41
XLI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
XLI Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
XLI Omega Ratio Rank: 38
XLI Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
XLI Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

RIFR vs. XLI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) 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.

	RIFR	XLI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.22	1.49	-0.26
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.73	2.18	-0.45
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.26	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	1.87	+0.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.07	7.41	-1.35
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RIFR vs. XLI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RIFR Sharpe Ratio is 1.22, which is comparable to the XLI Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RIFR 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

	RIFR	XLI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.22	1.49	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.71	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.47	0.45	+1.01

Drawdowns

RIFR vs. XLI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RIFR drawdown since its inception was -6.80%, smaller than the maximum XLI drawdown of -62.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RIFR and XLI.

Drawdown Indicators

	RIFR	XLI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.80%	-62.26%	+55.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.80%	-12.21%	+5.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.49%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.64%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.33%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.18%	-2.44%	-1.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.61%	-9.21%	+7.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.12%	3.07%	-0.95%

Volatility

RIFR vs. XLI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF (RIFR) is 3.50%, while Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) has a volatility of 4.80%. This indicates that RIFR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RIFR	XLI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.50%	4.80%	-1.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.52%	12.79%	-4.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.51%	15.38%	-4.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.69%	17.42%	-6.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.69%	19.98%	-9.29%

RIFR vs. XLI - Expense Ratio Comparison

RIFR has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than XLI's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

RIFR vs. XLI - Dividend Comparison

RIFR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than XLI's 1.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RIFR Russell Investments Global Infrastructure ETF	0.90%	0.98%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.18%	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 RIFR and XLI in my portfolio?

RIFR and XLI have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RIFR or XLI?

XLI has higher volatility (4.80%) compared to RIFR (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RIFR dropped -6.80% vs XLI's -62.26%.

Which ETF is better, RIFR or XLI?

On 1-year performance, XLI leads with 22.72% vs 12.80% for RIFR. On fees, XLI is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, RIFR has been the lower-risk option at 3.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RIFR or XLI?

Over the 1-year period, XLI has performed better with a 22.72% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RIFR or XLI?

XLI is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for RIFR.

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

XLI has the higher dividend yield at 1.18%, compared with 0.90% for RIFR.

What is the main difference between RIFR and XLI?

They also come from different issuers: Russell and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for RIFR and 0.13% for XLI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.22), 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.