SOXX vs. XLY

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) and XLY (Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index, while XLY is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund tracking the Consumer Discretionary Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SOXX returned 35.55%/yr vs 12.78%/yr for XLY. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SOXX charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLY.

Performance

SOXX vs. XLY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) 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, SOXX achieves a 98.11% return, which is significantly higher than XLY's -2.16% return. Over the past 10 years, SOXX has outperformed XLY with an annualized return of 35.55%, while XLY has yielded a comparatively lower 12.78% annualized return.

SOXX

• 1D: 1.59%
• 1M: 12.49%
• YTD: 98.11%
• 6M: 99.51%
• 1Y: 171.57%
• 3Y*: 53.00%
• 5Y*: 33.69%
• 10Y*: 35.55%

XLY

• 1D: 0.26%
• 1M: -1.74%
• YTD: -2.16%
• 6M: -3.01%
• 1Y: 11.01%
• 3Y*: 12.99%
• 5Y*: 7.00%
• 10Y*: 12.78%

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

SOXX vs. XLY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	98.11%	40.74%	12.92%	67.12%	-35.09%	44.09%	52.72%	62.42%	-6.49%	39.79%
XLY Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund	-2.16%	7.37%	26.51%	39.64%	-36.27%	27.93%	29.63%	28.39%	1.58%	22.82%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXX and XLY is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.59
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.67
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.67
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 13, 2001	0.67

The correlation between SOXX and XLY shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (1 year) to 0.67 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SOXX vs. XLY - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXX	XLY
Technology	100.0%	0.9%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	1.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	97.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SOXX vs. XLY — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXX

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

XLY

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

SOXX vs. XLY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) 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.

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.

	SOXX	XLY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.43	0.55	+3.88
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.37	0.89	+3.48
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.62	1.10	+0.52
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.50	0.67	+9.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	38.20	2.05	+36.15

SOXX vs. XLY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXX Sharpe Ratio is 4.43, which is higher than the XLY Sharpe Ratio of 0.55. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXX 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.

Drawdowns

SOXX vs. XLY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXX drawdown since its inception was -70.21%, which is greater than XLY's maximum drawdown of -59.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXX and XLY.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXX	XLY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.21%	-59.05%	-11.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.77%	-14.98%	-0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.36%	-26.01%	-15.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.75%	-39.67%	-6.08%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.75%	-39.67%	-6.08%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.16%	-6.17%	+3.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.95%	-9.55%	-10.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	4.88%	-0.55%

Volatility

SOXX vs. XLY - Volatility Comparison

iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a higher volatility of 19.42% compared to Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) at 6.19%. This indicates that SOXX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOXX	XLY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.42%	6.19%	+13.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.46%	13.44%	+18.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	37.35%	18.27%	+19.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.73%	23.83%	+12.90%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.77%	22.08%	+11.69%

SOXX vs. XLY - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXX has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is higher than XLY's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOXX vs. XLY - Dividend Comparison

SOXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.28%, less than XLY's 0.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.28%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%
XLY Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund	0.77%	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 SOXX and XLY in my portfolio?

SOXX and XLY have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOXX or XLY?

SOXX has higher volatility (19.42%) compared to XLY (6.19%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXX dropped -70.21% vs XLY's -59.05%.

Which ETF is better, SOXX or XLY?

On 10-year performance, SOXX leads with 35.55% vs 12.78% for XLY. On fees, XLY is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLY has been the lower-risk option at 6.19%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOXX or XLY?

Over the 10-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 35.55% return vs 12.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXX or XLY?

XLY is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for SOXX.

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

XLY has the higher dividend yield at 0.77%, compared with 0.28% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between SOXX and XLY?

SOXX is categorized as Semiconductors, while XLY is Consumer Discretionary Equities. SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index, while XLY tracks Consumer Discretionary Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for SOXX and 0.13% for XLY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.43 vs 0.55), 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.