TECB vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

TECB (iShares U.S. Tech Breakthrough Multisector ETF) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - TECB tracks the NYSE FactSet U.S. Tech Breakthrough Index while XLK tracks the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, TECB returned 12.17%/yr vs 21.22%/yr for XLK. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. TECB charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLK.

Performance

TECB vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares U.S. Tech Breakthrough Multisector ETF (TECB) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TECB achieves a 13.60% return, which is significantly lower than XLK's 27.45% return.

TECB

• 1D: -0.78%
• 1M: -1.97%
• YTD: 13.60%
• 6M: 11.86%
• 1Y: 23.08%
• 3Y*: 23.42%
• 5Y*: 12.17%
• 10Y*: —

XLK

• 1D: -0.62%
• 1M: 1.60%
• YTD: 27.45%
• 6M: 25.42%
• 1Y: 48.85%
• 3Y*: 30.34%
• 5Y*: 21.22%
• 10Y*: 25.40%

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

TECB vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
TECB iShares U.S. Tech Breakthrough Multisector ETF	13.60%	14.86%	24.38%	57.53%	-34.39%	19.60%	39.90%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	27.45%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	39.21%

Correlation

The correlation between TECB and XLK is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.90
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 10, 2020	0.92

The correlation between TECB and XLK has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

TECB vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TECB	XLK
Technology	64.3%	99.7%
Communication Services	10.8%	-
Healthcare	10.8%	-
Financial Services	5.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	5.4%	-
Real Estate	1.7%	-
Industrials	0.8%	0.1%
Energy	0.6%	0.2%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TECB vs. XLK — Risk / Return Rank

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

TECB

TECB Risk / Return Rank: 35
TECB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
TECB Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
TECB Omega Ratio Rank: 36
TECB Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
TECB Martin Ratio Rank: 31

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 66
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 65
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

TECB vs. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Tech Breakthrough Multisector ETF (TECB) 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.

	TECB	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.27	2.10	-0.83
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.78	2.62	-0.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.35	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.43	3.08	-1.66
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.07	9.79	-5.72

TECB vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TECB Sharpe Ratio is 1.27, which is lower than the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TECB 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

TECB vs. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TECB drawdown since its inception was -41.62%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TECB and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	TECB	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.62%	-82.05%	+40.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.24%	-15.92%	-0.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.91%	-25.66%	+1.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.62%	-33.56%	-8.06%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.56%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.76%	-7.54%	+0.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.14%	-34.90%	+24.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.68%	5.00%	+0.68%

Volatility

TECB vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares U.S. Tech Breakthrough Multisector ETF (TECB) is 8.27%, while State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has a volatility of 12.50%. This indicates that TECB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	TECB	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.27%	12.50%	-4.23%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.75%	19.62%	-4.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.34%	23.47%	-5.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.70%	25.37%	-1.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.42%	24.71%	+0.71%

TECB vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

TECB has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLK's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

TECB vs. XLK - Dividend Comparison

TECB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, less than XLK's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TECB iShares U.S. Tech Breakthrough Multisector ETF	0.31%	0.33%	0.35%	0.23%	0.61%	0.35%	0.77%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.43%	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 TECB and XLK in my portfolio?

TECB and XLK have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, TECB or XLK?

XLK has higher volatility (12.50%) compared to TECB (8.27%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TECB dropped -41.62% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, TECB or XLK?

On 5-year performance, XLK leads with 21.22% vs 12.17% for TECB. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, TECB has been the lower-risk option at 8.27%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TECB or XLK?

Over the 5-year period, XLK has performed better with a 21.22% return vs 12.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TECB or XLK?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for TECB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TECB or XLK?

XLK has the higher dividend yield at 0.43%, compared with 0.31% for TECB.

What is the main difference between TECB and XLK?

TECB tracks NYSE FactSet U.S. Tech Breakthrough Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for TECB and 0.08% for XLK.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.27), 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.