USNG vs. XLEI

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

USNG (Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF) and XLEI (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. USNG is actively managed, while XLEI is passively managed. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. USNG charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XLEI.

Performance

USNG vs. XLEI - 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 Premium Income ETF (XLEI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USNG achieves a 36.83% return, which is significantly higher than XLEI's 14.83% return.

USNG

• 1D: 1.74%
• 1M: -0.16%
• YTD: 36.83%
• 6M: 38.00%
• 1Y: 46.88%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XLEI

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: -4.42%
• YTD: 14.83%
• 6M: 15.67%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

USNG vs. XLEI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
USNG Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF	36.83%	5.15%
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	14.83%	6.17%

Correlation

The correlation between USNG and XLEI is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2025	0.43

USNG vs. XLEI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USNG	XLEI
Energy	79.2%	100.0%
Industrials	12.8%	-
Utilities	4.7%	-
Financial Services	1.8%	100.3%
Basic Materials	1.4%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

USNG vs. XLEI — Risk / Return Rank

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

USNG

USNG Risk / Return Rank: 89
USNG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
USNG Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
USNG Omega Ratio Rank: 82
USNG Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
USNG Martin Ratio Rank: 91

XLEI

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

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. XLEI - 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 Premium Income ETF (XLEI). 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.

	USNG	XLEI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.83	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.81	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.47	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.91	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.81	—	—

Drawdowns

USNG vs. XLEI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USNG drawdown since its inception was -6.82%, smaller than the maximum XLEI drawdown of -7.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USNG and XLEI.

Drawdown Indicators

	USNG	XLEI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.82%	-7.98%	+1.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.82%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.16%	-5.56%	+5.40%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.52%	-1.67%	+0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	USNG	XLEI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.31%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.45%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.70%	13.89%	+2.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.63%	13.89%	+2.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.63%	13.89%	+2.74%

USNG vs. XLEI - Expense Ratio Comparison

USNG has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than XLEI's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

USNG vs. XLEI - Dividend Comparison

USNG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, less than XLEI's 17.40% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
USNG Amplify Samsung U.S. Natural Gas Infrastructure ETF	1.08%	1.10%
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	17.40%	10.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USNG and XLEI in my portfolio?

USNG and XLEI have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, USNG or XLEI?

On fees, XLEI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, USNG or XLEI?

XLEI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for USNG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USNG or XLEI?

XLEI has the higher dividend yield at 17.40%, compared with 1.08% for USNG.

What is the main difference between USNG and XLEI?

They also come from different issuers: Amplify and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for USNG and 0.35% for XLEI.