RWX vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RWX (SPDR DJ Wilshire International Real Estate ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RWX is a REIT fund tracking the Dow Jones Global ex-U.S. 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, RWX returned 0.79%/yr vs 9.35%/yr for XLU. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RWX charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

RWX vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR DJ Wilshire International Real Estate ETF (RWX) 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, RWX achieves a -4.24% return, which is significantly lower than XLU's 6.99% return. Over the past 10 years, RWX has underperformed XLU with an annualized return of 0.79%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.35% annualized return.

RWX

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -2.81%
• YTD: -4.24%
• 6M: -3.90%
• 1Y: 1.35%
• 3Y*: 6.38%
• 5Y*: -2.78%
• 10Y*: 0.79%

XLU

• 1D: 0.78%
• 1M: 0.02%
• YTD: 6.99%
• 6M: 7.17%
• 1Y: 14.05%
• 3Y*: 14.90%
• 5Y*: 10.60%
• 10Y*: 9.35%

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

RWX vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RWX SPDR DJ Wilshire International Real Estate ETF	-4.24%	26.24%	-12.15%	6.25%	-21.84%	9.34%	-9.03%	19.88%	-8.25%	15.50%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	6.99%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between RWX and XLU is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.39
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.39
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 19, 2006	0.44

The correlation between RWX and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.26 (1 year) to 0.44 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

RWX vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

RWX

RWX Risk / Return Rank: 9
RWX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
RWX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
RWX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
RWX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
RWX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 25
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
XLU 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.

RWX vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR DJ Wilshire International Real Estate ETF (RWX) 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.

	RWX	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.10	0.96	-0.86
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.24	1.37	-1.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.17	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.10	1.54	-1.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.26	3.26	-3.00

RWX vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RWX Sharpe Ratio is 0.10, which is lower than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RWX 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

RWX vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RWX drawdown since its inception was -73.62%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RWX and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	RWX	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.62%	-51.98%	-21.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.58%	-9.18%	-4.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.05%	-17.26%	-1.79%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.91%	-25.26%	-10.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.37%	-36.07%	-7.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.55%	-4.30%	-11.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.28%	-10.21%	-10.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.16%	4.32%	+0.84%

Volatility

RWX vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR DJ Wilshire International Real Estate ETF (RWX) is 4.02%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.21%. This indicates that RWX 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

	RWX	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.02%	5.21%	-1.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.25%	11.70%	-0.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.56%	14.69%	-1.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.85%	17.30%	-1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.32%	19.29%	-2.97%

RWX vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

RWX has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

RWX vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

RWX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.09%, more than XLU's 2.65% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RWX SPDR DJ Wilshire International Real Estate ETF	4.09%	3.65%	4.32%	3.90%	4.05%	4.62%	2.92%	8.94%	5.28%	2.77%	8.74%	2.94%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.65%	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 RWX and XLU in my portfolio?

RWX and XLU have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RWX or XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.21%) compared to RWX (4.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RWX dropped -73.62% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, RWX or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.35% vs 0.79% for RWX. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, RWX has been the lower-risk option at 4.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RWX or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.35% return vs 0.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RWX or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for RWX.

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

RWX has the higher dividend yield at 4.09%, compared with 2.65% for XLU.

What is the main difference between RWX and XLU?

RWX is categorized as REIT, while XLU is Utilities Equities. RWX tracks Dow Jones Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Securities Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for RWX and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.96 vs 0.10), 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.