USNG vs. XLE

Last updated Apr 2, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE).

USNG and XLE are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. USNG is an actively managed fund by Amplify. It was launched on May 19, 2025. XLE is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the Energy Select Sector Index. It was launched on Dec 16, 1998.

Performance

USNG vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

USNG vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USNG Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF	19.70%	10.81%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	32.76%	9.69%

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USNG achieves a 19.70% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 32.76% return.

USNG

• 1D: -1.37%
• 1M: -1.05%
• YTD: 19.70%
• 6M: 17.55%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLE

• 1D: -3.74%
• 1M: 4.06%
• YTD: 32.76%
• 6M: 34.01%
• 1Y: 29.50%
• 3Y*: 16.22%
• 5Y*: 23.05%
• 10Y*: 11.23%

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

USNG vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

USNG has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

USNG

Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF

XLE

State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF

Return for Risk

USNG vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 58
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 61
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

USNG vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF (USNG) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	USNG	XLE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.18	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.89	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.38	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.41	0.31	+2.10

Correlation

The correlation between USNG and XLE is 0.44, which is considered to be moderate. This suggests that the two assets have some degree of positive relationship in their price movements. Moderate correlation can be acceptable for portfolio diversification, offering a balance between risk and potential returns.

Dividends

USNG vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

USNG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.24%, less than XLE's 2.53% yield.

	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USNG Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF	1.24%	1.10%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.53%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Drawdowns

USNG vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USNG drawdown since its inception was -6.82%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USNG and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	USNG	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.82%	-71.26%	+64.44%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-18.79%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.04%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-66.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.02%	-5.74%	+1.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.38%	-18.05%	+16.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.15%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USNG	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.45%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	14.46%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.17%	25.21%	-9.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.17%	26.09%	-9.92%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.17%	29.50%	-13.33%