ROKT vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

ROKT (SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ROKT is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Final Frontiers Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ROKT returned 21.46%/yr vs 10.75%/yr for XLU. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ROKT charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

ROKT vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) 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, ROKT achieves a 32.02% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 8.84% return.

ROKT

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: -13.79%
• YTD: 32.02%
• 6M: 28.50%
• 1Y: 80.82%
• 3Y*: 39.12%
• 5Y*: 21.46%
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 1.79%
• YTD: 8.84%
• 6M: 8.54%
• 1Y: 17.09%
• 3Y*: 15.18%
• 5Y*: 10.75%
• 10Y*: 9.45%

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

ROKT vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ROKT SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF	32.02%	50.56%	27.89%	14.41%	-0.81%	4.63%	7.99%	40.90%	-12.90%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	8.84%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	-1.57%

Correlation

The correlation between ROKT and XLU is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 23, 2018	0.37

The correlation between ROKT and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.18 (1 year) to 0.37 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

ROKT vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ROKT	XLU
Industrials	68.4%	-
Technology	20.1%	-
Communication Services	5.8%	-
Energy	5.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

ROKT vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

ROKT

ROKT Risk / Return Rank: 86
ROKT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 90
ROKT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
ROKT Omega Ratio Rank: 79
ROKT Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
ROKT Martin Ratio Rank: 90

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 35
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 34
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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.

ROKT vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) 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.

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.

	ROKT	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.60	1.17	+1.43
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.25	1.63	+1.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.21	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.48	1.87	+2.61
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.56	3.96	+13.61

ROKT vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ROKT Sharpe Ratio is 2.60, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ROKT 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.

Drawdowns

ROKT vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ROKT drawdown since its inception was -43.16%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ROKT and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	ROKT	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.16%	-51.98%	+8.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.15%	-9.18%	-8.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.46%	-17.26%	-6.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.46%	-25.26%	+1.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.86%	-2.65%	-15.21%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.80%	-10.21%	+3.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.62%	4.33%	+0.29%

Volatility

ROKT vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) has a higher volatility of 14.26% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.29%. This indicates that ROKT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ROKT	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.26%	5.29%	+8.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	26.38%	11.68%	+14.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.25%	14.68%	+16.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.36%	17.30%	+6.06%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.41%	19.28%	+6.13%

ROKT vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

ROKT has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

ROKT vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

ROKT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.28%, less than XLU's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ROKT SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF	0.28%	0.41%	0.57%	0.62%	0.54%	1.79%	0.48%	0.74%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.61%	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 ROKT and XLU in my portfolio?

ROKT and XLU have a correlation of 0.18, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ROKT or XLU?

ROKT has higher volatility (14.26%) compared to XLU (5.29%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ROKT dropped -43.16% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, ROKT or XLU?

On 5-year performance, ROKT leads with 21.46% vs 10.75% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.29%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ROKT or XLU?

Over the 5-year period, ROKT has performed better with a 21.46% return vs 10.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ROKT or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for ROKT.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 0.28% for ROKT.

What is the main difference between ROKT and XLU?

ROKT is categorized as Industrials Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. ROKT tracks S&P Kensho Final Frontiers Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for ROKT and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ROKT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.60 vs 1.17), 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.