SOXQ vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

SOXQ (Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOXQ is a Semiconductors fund tracking the PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SOXQ returned 36.75%/yr vs 10.41%/yr for XLU. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SOXQ charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

SOXQ vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) 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, SOXQ achieves a 106.78% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 6.16% return.

SOXQ

• 1D: 2.14%
• 1M: 19.93%
• YTD: 106.78%
• 6M: 105.09%
• 1Y: 181.98%
• 3Y*: 61.94%
• 5Y*: 36.75%
• 10Y*: —

XLU

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: -0.76%
• YTD: 6.16%
• 6M: 6.71%
• 1Y: 14.60%
• 3Y*: 14.60%
• 5Y*: 10.41%
• 10Y*: 9.26%

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

SOXQ vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
SOXQ Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF	106.78%	43.11%	20.16%	66.74%	-35.59%	25.19%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	6.16%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	11.06%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXQ and XLU is 0.13, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.13
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.09
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 11, 2021	0.15

SOXQ vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXQ	XLU
Technology	100.0%	-
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

SOXQ vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXQ

SOXQ Risk / Return Rank: 96
SOXQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 98
SOXQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SOXQ Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SOXQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 98
SOXQ Martin Ratio Rank: 97

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 28
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
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.

SOXQ vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) 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.

	SOXQ	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.83	1.00	+3.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.58	1.41	+3.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.65	1.18	+0.48
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	11.75	1.60	+10.15
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	42.46	3.39	+39.06

SOXQ vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXQ Sharpe Ratio is 4.83, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 1.00. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXQ 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

SOXQ vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXQ drawdown since its inception was -46.01%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXQ and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXQ	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.01%	-51.98%	+5.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.59%	-9.18%	-6.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.36%	-17.26%	-22.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.01%	-25.26%	-20.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-5.05%	+5.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.87%	-10.22%	-2.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.31%	4.31%	0.00%

Volatility

SOXQ vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (SOXQ) has a higher volatility of 20.05% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.26%. This indicates that SOXQ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOXQ	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.05%	5.26%	+14.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.34%	11.72%	+19.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	37.96%	14.70%	+23.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	37.17%	17.31%	+19.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	37.08%	19.28%	+17.80%

SOXQ vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXQ has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SOXQ vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

SOXQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, less than XLU's 3.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SOXQ Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF	0.31%	0.50%	0.68%	0.87%	1.36%	0.72%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.30%	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 SOXQ and XLU in my portfolio?

SOXQ and XLU have a correlation of 0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOXQ or XLU?

SOXQ has higher volatility (20.05%) compared to XLU (5.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXQ dropped -46.01% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, SOXQ or XLU?

On 5-year performance, SOXQ leads with 36.75% vs 10.41% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXQ or XLU?

Over the 5-year period, SOXQ has performed better with a 36.75% return vs 10.41%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXQ or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for SOXQ.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 3.30%, compared with 0.31% for SOXQ.

What is the main difference between SOXQ and XLU?

SOXQ is categorized as Semiconductors, while XLU is Utilities Equities. SOXQ tracks PHLX Semiconductor Sector Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for SOXQ and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.83 vs 1.00), 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.