SEF vs. XLF
Compare and contrast key facts about ProShares Short Financials (SEF) and Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF).
SEF and XLF are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. SEF is a passively managed fund by ProShares that tracks the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Financials Index (-100%). It was launched on Jun 12, 2008. XLF is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the Financial Select Sector Index. It was launched on Dec 16, 1998. Both SEF and XLF are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: SEF or XLF.
Key characteristics
| SEF | XLF | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -6.14% | 9.13% |
| 1Y Return | -17.29% | 28.98% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | -5.70% | 6.79% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | -12.19% | 10.33% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | -12.09% | 13.37% |
| Sharpe Ratio | -1.28 | 2.14 |
| Daily Std Dev | 12.91% | 12.95% |
| Max Drawdown | -95.61% | -82.43% |
| Current Drawdown | -95.45% | -2.94% |
Correlation
The correlation between SEF and XLF is -0.97. This indicates that the assets' prices tend to move in opposite directions. Negative correlation can be particularly beneficial for diversification and risk management, as one asset may offset the losses of the other during market fluctuations.
Performance
SEF vs. XLF - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, SEF achieves a -6.14% return, which is significantly lower than XLF's 9.13% return. Over the past 10 years, SEF has underperformed XLF with an annualized return of -12.09%, while XLF has yielded a comparatively higher 13.37% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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SEF vs. XLF - Expense Ratio Comparison
SEF has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than XLF's 0.13% expense ratio.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
SEF vs. XLF - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ProShares Short Financials (SEF) and Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF). 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.
Dividends
SEF vs. XLF - Dividend Comparison
SEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.23%, more than XLF's 1.57% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SEF ProShares Short Financials | 5.23% | 4.43% | 0.39% | 0.00% | 0.12% | 1.25% | 0.41% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
XLF Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund | 1.57% | 1.71% | 2.04% | 1.63% | 2.03% | 1.87% | 2.08% | 1.48% | 1.63% | 2.40% | 1.98% | 1.81% |
Drawdowns
SEF vs. XLF - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum SEF drawdown since its inception was -95.61%, which is greater than XLF's maximum drawdown of -82.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SEF and XLF. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
SEF vs. XLF - Volatility Comparison
ProShares Short Financials (SEF) and Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) have volatilities of 3.87% and 3.89%, 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.