TFNS vs. XLF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

TFNS (T. Rowe Price Financials ETF) and XLF (State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Financials Equities funds. TFNS is actively managed, while XLF is passively managed. Over the past year, TFNS returned 11.45% vs 7.67% for XLF. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. TFNS charges 0.44%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLF.

Performance

TFNS vs. XLF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in T. Rowe Price Financials ETF (TFNS) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, TFNS achieves a 0.45% return, which is significantly higher than XLF's -0.77% return.

TFNS

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 4.00%
• YTD: 0.45%
• 6M: -0.86%
• 1Y: 11.45%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLF

• 1D: 0.34%
• 1M: 4.10%
• YTD: -0.77%
• 6M: -1.95%
• 1Y: 7.67%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 10.00%
• 10Y*: 13.72%

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

TFNS vs. XLF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
TFNS T. Rowe Price Financials ETF	0.45%	11.06%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	-0.77%	8.49%

Correlation

The correlation between TFNS and XLF is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 12, 2025	0.99

The correlation between TFNS and XLF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

TFNS vs. XLF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	TFNS	XLF
Financial Services	96.9%	98.0%
Technology	2.0%	1.8%
Industrials	1.1%	0.2%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

TFNS vs. XLF — Risk / Return Rank

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

TFNS

TFNS Risk / Return Rank: 21
TFNS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
TFNS Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
TFNS Omega Ratio Rank: 21
TFNS Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
TFNS Martin Ratio Rank: 20

XLF

XLF Risk / Return Rank: 15
XLF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
XLF Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
XLF Omega Ratio Rank: 16
XLF Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
XLF Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

TFNS vs. XLF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for T. Rowe Price Financials ETF (TFNS) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (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.

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.

	TFNS	XLF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	0.53	+0.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.12	0.81	+0.31
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.10	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.82	0.52	+0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.21	1.33	+0.88

TFNS vs. XLF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current TFNS Sharpe Ratio is 0.77, which is higher than the XLF Sharpe Ratio of 0.53. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of TFNS and XLF, 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

TFNS vs. XLF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum TFNS drawdown since its inception was -14.00%, smaller than the maximum XLF drawdown of -82.69%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for TFNS and XLF.

Drawdown Indicators

	TFNS	XLF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.00%	-82.69%	+68.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.00%	-14.79%	+0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.81%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.86%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.36%	-3.64%	+1.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.82%	-19.99%	+16.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.19%	5.79%	-0.60%

Volatility

TFNS vs. XLF - Volatility Comparison

T. Rowe Price Financials ETF (TFNS) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) have volatilities of 4.03% and 4.12%, 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

	TFNS	XLF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.03%	4.12%	-0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.45%	11.27%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.00%	14.62%	+0.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.06%	18.58%	-3.52%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.06%	22.11%	-7.05%

TFNS vs. XLF - Expense Ratio Comparison

TFNS has a 0.44% expense ratio, which is higher than XLF's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

TFNS vs. XLF - Dividend Comparison

TFNS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.49%, less than XLF's 1.50% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
TFNS T. Rowe Price Financials ETF	0.49%	0.49%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLF State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.50%	1.31%	1.42%	1.71%	2.04%	1.63%	2.03%	1.87%	2.08%	1.48%	21.10%	1.95%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both TFNS and XLF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, TFNS and XLF 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, TFNS or XLF?

XLF has higher volatility (4.12%) compared to TFNS (4.03%). In terms of maximum drawdown, TFNS dropped -14.00% vs XLF's -82.69%.

Which ETF is better, TFNS or XLF?

On 1-year performance, TFNS leads with 11.45% vs 7.67% for XLF. On fees, XLF is cheaper at 0.08% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, TFNS or XLF?

Over the 1-year period, TFNS has performed better with a 11.45% return vs 7.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, TFNS or XLF?

XLF is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.44% for TFNS.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, TFNS or XLF?

XLF has the higher dividend yield at 1.50%, compared with 0.49% for TFNS.

What is the main difference between TFNS and XLF?

They also come from different issuers: T. Rowe Price and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.44% for TFNS and 0.08% for XLF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TFNS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.77 vs 0.53), 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.