RYTIX vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

RYTIX (Rydex Technology Fund) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. Over the past 10 years, RYTIX returned 22.87%/yr vs 26.01%/yr for XLK. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RYTIX charges 1.36%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

RYTIX vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Rydex Technology Fund (RYTIX) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with RYTIX having a 33.67% return and XLK slightly higher at 33.79%. Over the past 10 years, RYTIX has underperformed XLK with an annualized return of 22.87%, while XLK has yielded a comparatively higher 26.01% annualized return.

RYTIX

• 1D: 2.49%
• 1M: 5.36%
• YTD: 33.67%
• 6M: 31.11%
• 1Y: 61.38%
• 3Y*: 34.85%
• 5Y*: 18.22%
• 10Y*: 22.87%

XLK

• 1D: 0.49%
• 1M: 6.65%
• YTD: 33.79%
• 6M: 32.69%
• 1Y: 60.87%
• 3Y*: 32.46%
• 5Y*: 22.53%
• 10Y*: 26.01%

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

RYTIX vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
RYTIX Rydex Technology Fund	33.67%	26.48%	30.01%	49.59%	-36.18%	20.94%	49.87%	40.81%	-1.07%	33.07%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	33.79%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%

Correlation

The correlation between RYTIX and XLK is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.95
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 4, 1999	0.95

The correlation between RYTIX and XLK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RYTIX vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

RYTIX

RYTIX Risk / Return Rank: 73
RYTIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
RYTIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
RYTIX Omega Ratio Rank: 62
RYTIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
RYTIX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 77
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 77
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 78
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

RYTIX vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Rydex Technology Fund (RYTIX) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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.

	RYTIX	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	2.65	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.01	3.20	-0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.43	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.85	3.84	+0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.89	12.30	+0.59

RYTIX vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RYTIX Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is comparable to the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.65. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RYTIX and XLK, 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

RYTIX vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RYTIX drawdown since its inception was -84.00%, roughly equal to the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RYTIX and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	RYTIX	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-84.00%	-82.05%	-1.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.67%	-15.92%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.91%	-25.66%	-2.25%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.75%	-33.56%	-9.19%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.75%	-33.56%	-9.19%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.57%	-2.94%	-1.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-40.13%	-34.90%	-5.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.67%	4.96%	-0.29%

Volatility

RYTIX vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

Rydex Technology Fund (RYTIX) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) have volatilities of 11.90% and 11.64%, 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

	RYTIX	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.90%	11.64%	+0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.14%	19.23%	+0.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.32%	23.12%	+1.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.05%	25.30%	+1.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.47%	24.71%	+0.76%

RYTIX vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

RYTIX has a 1.36% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

RYTIX vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

RYTIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.77%, more than XLK's 0.52% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RYTIX Rydex Technology Fund	0.77%	1.03%	9.00%	2.46%	5.17%	7.24%	1.62%	0.92%	5.39%	1.35%	0.00%	0.00%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.41%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RYTIX and XLK in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, RYTIX and XLK 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, RYTIX or XLK?

RYTIX has higher volatility (11.90%) compared to XLK (11.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RYTIX dropped -84.00% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.65 vs 2.48), 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.