RNRG vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

RNRG (Global X Funds Global X Renewable Energy Producers ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RNRG is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Indxx Renewable Energy Producers Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RNRG returned 4.26%/yr vs 9.22%/yr for XLU. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RNRG charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

RNRG vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Funds Global X Renewable Energy Producers ETF (RNRG) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RNRG achieves a 16.42% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 3.65% return. Over the past 10 years, RNRG has underperformed XLU with an annualized return of 4.26%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.22% annualized return.

RNRG

• 1D: -1.05%
• 1M: -1.46%
• YTD: 16.42%
• 6M: 15.60%
• 1Y: 40.09%
• 3Y*: 4.03%
• 5Y*: -2.90%
• 10Y*: 4.26%

XLU

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -5.24%
• YTD: 3.65%
• 6M: 1.99%
• 1Y: 11.64%
• 3Y*: 13.76%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: 9.22%

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

RNRG vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RNRG Global X Funds Global X Renewable Energy Producers ETF	16.42%	29.61%	-22.00%	-12.82%	-15.30%	-12.78%	26.67%	37.04%	-6.22%	21.16%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.65%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between RNRG and XLU is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 29, 2015	0.37

The correlation between RNRG and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.28 (1 year) to 0.41 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RNRG vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RNRG	XLU
Utilities	92.8%	100.0%
Industrials	3.0%	-
Technology	2.2%	-
Basic Materials	2.1%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

RNRG vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

RNRG

RNRG Risk / Return Rank: 82
RNRG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
RNRG Sortino Ratio Rank: 77
RNRG Omega Ratio Rank: 72
RNRG Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
RNRG Martin Ratio Rank: 88

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 24
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 23
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

RNRG vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Funds Global X Renewable Energy Producers ETF (RNRG) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	RNRG	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.55	0.81	+1.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.39	1.18	+2.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.15	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.77	1.27	+5.50
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.73	2.84	+15.89
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RNRG vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RNRG Sharpe Ratio is 2.55, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RNRG and XLU, 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

	RNRG	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.55	0.81	+1.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.15	0.54	-0.69
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.22	0.48	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.06	0.40	-0.34

Drawdowns

RNRG vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RNRG drawdown since its inception was -58.79%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RNRG and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	RNRG	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-58.79%	-51.98%	-6.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.95%	-9.18%	+3.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.23%	-17.26%	-17.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-52.17%	-25.26%	-26.91%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-58.79%	-36.07%	-22.72%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.11%	-7.30%	-23.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.45%	-10.22%	-14.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.15%	4.11%	-1.96%

Volatility

RNRG vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

Global X Funds Global X Renewable Energy Producers ETF (RNRG) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) have volatilities of 5.50% and 5.47%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RNRG	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.50%	5.47%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.14%	11.52%	+0.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.82%	14.57%	+1.25%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.09%	17.32%	+2.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.67%	19.25%	+0.42%

RNRG vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

RNRG has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

RNRG vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

RNRG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.29%, less than XLU's 2.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RNRG Global X Funds Global X Renewable Energy Producers ETF	1.29%	1.50%	1.48%	1.44%	1.15%	1.10%	3.16%	2.97%	5.22%	4.14%	5.02%	3.48%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.71%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RNRG and XLU in my portfolio?

RNRG and XLU have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RNRG or XLU?

RNRG has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to XLU (5.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RNRG dropped -58.79% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, RNRG or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.22% vs 4.26% for RNRG. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RNRG or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.22% return vs 4.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RNRG or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for RNRG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RNRG or XLU?

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.71%, compared with 1.29% for RNRG.

What is the main difference between RNRG and XLU?

RNRG is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. RNRG tracks Indxx Renewable Energy Producers Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for RNRG and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RNRG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.55 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.