RWO vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RWO (SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RWO is a REIT fund tracking the Dow Jones Global Select Real Estate Securities Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RWO returned 3.42%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for XLU. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. RWO charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

RWO vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF (RWO) 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, RWO achieves a 7.94% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 3.11% return. Over the past 10 years, RWO has underperformed XLU with an annualized return of 3.42%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.15% annualized return.

RWO

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -1.07%
• YTD: 7.94%
• 6M: 7.05%
• 1Y: 12.86%
• 3Y*: 9.49%
• 5Y*: 1.93%
• 10Y*: 3.42%

XLU

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -5.74%
• YTD: 3.11%
• 6M: 1.25%
• 1Y: 9.11%
• 3Y*: 13.74%
• 5Y*: 9.25%
• 10Y*: 9.15%

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

RWO vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RWO SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF	7.94%	8.87%	1.76%	10.91%	-25.11%	31.03%	-10.44%	21.17%	-6.04%	7.80%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.11%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between RWO and XLU is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.56
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2008	0.57

The correlation between RWO and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.43 (1 year) to 0.57 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

RWO vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RWO	XLU
Real Estate	89.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.8%	-
Financial Services	0.8%	-
Technology	0.7%	-
Healthcare	0.4%	-
Energy	0.3%	-
Industrials	0.2%	-
Utilities	0.0%	100.0%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-

Return for Risk

RWO vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

RWO

RWO Risk / Return Rank: 29
RWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
RWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
RWO Omega Ratio Rank: 26
RWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
RWO Martin Ratio Rank: 34

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 19
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 18
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

RWO vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF (RWO) 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.

	RWO	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.02	0.63	+0.39
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	0.94	+0.51
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.12	+0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.36	1.00	+0.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.27	2.24	+3.03
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RWO vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RWO Sharpe Ratio is 1.02, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RWO 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

	RWO	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.02	0.63	+0.39
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.11	0.54	-0.42
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19	0.48	-0.29
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.16	0.40	-0.23

Drawdowns

RWO vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RWO drawdown since its inception was -67.69%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RWO and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	RWO	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.69%	-51.98%	-15.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.51%	-9.18%	-0.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.66%	-17.26%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.85%	-25.26%	-7.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.27%	-36.07%	-7.20%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.23%	-7.78%	+4.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.68%	-10.22%	-2.46%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.45%	4.09%	-1.64%

Volatility

RWO vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF (RWO) is 3.93%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.41%. This indicates that RWO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RWO	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.93%	5.41%	-1.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.33%	11.53%	-2.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.69%	14.57%	-1.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.03%	17.32%	-0.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.21%	19.26%	-1.05%

RWO vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

RWO has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

RWO vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

RWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.35%, more than XLU's 2.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RWO SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF	3.35%	3.62%	3.68%	3.53%	3.69%	2.79%	3.25%	3.97%	3.90%	3.26%	3.77%	2.97%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.72%	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 RWO and XLU in my portfolio?

RWO and XLU have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RWO or XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to RWO (3.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RWO dropped -67.69% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, RWO or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.15% vs 3.42% for RWO. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, RWO has been the lower-risk option at 3.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RWO or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.15% return vs 3.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RWO or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for RWO.

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

RWO has the higher dividend yield at 3.35%, compared with 2.72% for XLU.

What is the main difference between RWO and XLU?

RWO is categorized as REIT, while XLU is Utilities Equities. RWO tracks Dow Jones Global Select Real Estate Securities Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RWO and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RWO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.02 vs 0.63), 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.