RXI vs. XLY

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

RXI (iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF) and XLY (Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both Consumer Discretionary Equities funds - RXI tracks the S&P Global Consumer Discretionary Index while XLY tracks the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, RXI returned 9.76%/yr vs 12.63%/yr for XLY. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RXI charges 0.46%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLY.

Performance

RXI vs. XLY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF (RXI) and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RXI achieves a -3.65% return, which is significantly lower than XLY's -1.60% return. Over the past 10 years, RXI has underperformed XLY with an annualized return of 9.76%, while XLY has yielded a comparatively higher 12.63% annualized return.

RXI

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: 0.63%
• YTD: -3.65%
• 6M: -3.17%
• 1Y: 5.77%
• 3Y*: 11.47%
• 5Y*: 4.27%
• 10Y*: 9.76%

XLY

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: -0.69%
• YTD: -1.60%
• 6M: -1.13%
• 1Y: 10.01%
• 3Y*: 15.13%
• 5Y*: 7.39%
• 10Y*: 12.63%

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

RXI vs. XLY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RXI iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF	-3.65%	13.16%	17.26%	27.57%	-29.08%	16.32%	24.46%	26.78%	-6.30%	22.94%
XLY Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund	-1.60%	7.37%	26.51%	39.64%	-36.27%	27.93%	29.63%	28.39%	1.58%	22.82%

Correlation

The correlation between RXI and XLY is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 22, 2006	0.88

The correlation between RXI and XLY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

RXI vs. XLY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RXI	XLY
Consumer Cyclical	95.1%	97.5%
Technology	3.7%	0.9%
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	-
Industrials	0.2%	0.1%
Communication Services	0.2%	1.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RXI vs. XLY — Risk / Return Rank

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

RXI

RXI Risk / Return Rank: 14
RXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
RXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
RXI Omega Ratio Rank: 14
RXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
RXI Martin Ratio Rank: 15

XLY

XLY Risk / Return Rank: 18
XLY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
XLY Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
XLY Omega Ratio Rank: 18
XLY Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
XLY Martin Ratio Rank: 20

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.

RXI vs. XLY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF (RXI) and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY). 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.

	RXI	XLY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.35	0.55	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.62	0.89	-0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.07	1.10	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.38	0.67	-0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.15	2.11	-0.96
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RXI vs. XLY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RXI Sharpe Ratio is 0.35, which is lower than the XLY Sharpe Ratio of 0.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RXI and XLY, 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

	RXI	XLY	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35	0.55	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.21	0.31	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.57	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	0.43	-0.02

Drawdowns

RXI vs. XLY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RXI drawdown since its inception was -60.36%, roughly equal to the maximum XLY drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RXI and XLY.

Drawdown Indicators

	RXI	XLY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.36%	-59.05%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.17%	-14.98%	-0.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.64%	-26.01%	+6.37%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.78%	-39.67%	+3.89%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.78%	-39.67%	+3.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.40%	-5.64%	-1.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.54%	-9.56%	-0.98%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.04%	4.76%	+0.28%

Volatility

RXI vs. XLY - Volatility Comparison

iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF (RXI) and Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) have volatilities of 5.04% and 5.17%, 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

	RXI	XLY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	5.17%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.40%	13.10%	-0.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.39%	18.16%	-1.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.91%	23.78%	-2.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.12%	22.05%	-1.93%

RXI vs. XLY - Expense Ratio Comparison

RXI has a 0.46% expense ratio, which is higher than XLY's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

RXI vs. XLY - Dividend Comparison

RXI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, more than XLY's 0.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RXI iShares Global Consumer Discretionary ETF	1.61%	1.55%	1.07%	1.00%	1.00%	0.89%	0.65%	1.48%	1.73%	1.26%	1.77%	1.17%
XLY Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund	0.76%	0.79%	0.72%	0.78%	1.00%	0.53%	0.82%	1.28%	1.34%	1.20%	1.71%	1.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RXI and XLY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, RXI and XLY move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, RXI or XLY?

XLY has higher volatility (5.17%) compared to RXI (5.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RXI dropped -60.36% vs XLY's -59.05%.

Which ETF is better, RXI or XLY?

On 10-year performance, XLY leads with 12.63% vs 9.76% for RXI. On fees, XLY is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, RXI has been the lower-risk option at 5.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RXI or XLY?

Over the 10-year period, XLY has performed better with a 12.63% return vs 9.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RXI or XLY?

XLY is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for RXI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RXI or XLY?

RXI has the higher dividend yield at 1.61%, compared with 0.76% for XLY.

What is the main difference between RXI and XLY?

RXI tracks S&P Global Consumer Discretionary Index, while XLY tracks Consumer Discretionary Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.46% for RXI and 0.13% for XLY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.55 vs 0.35), 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.