WDIV vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WDIV (SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WDIV is a Global Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Dividend Aristocrats Index sp_43, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, WDIV returned 7.48%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for XLU. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WDIV charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

WDIV vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF (WDIV) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WDIV achieves a 8.20% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 3.11% return. Over the past 10 years, WDIV has underperformed XLU with an annualized return of 7.48%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.15% annualized return.

WDIV

• 1D: -1.21%
• 1M: 1.41%
• YTD: 8.20%
• 6M: 10.40%
• 1Y: 21.84%
• 3Y*: 16.97%
• 5Y*: 7.57%
• 10Y*: 7.48%

XLU

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -5.74%
• YTD: 3.11%
• 6M: 1.25%
• 1Y: 9.11%
• 3Y*: 13.74%
• 5Y*: 9.25%
• 10Y*: 9.15%

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

WDIV vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WDIV SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF	8.20%	27.16%	7.61%	8.21%	-6.92%	14.44%	-10.18%	20.12%	-8.81%	19.03%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.11%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between WDIV and XLU is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2013	0.43

WDIV vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WDIV	XLU
Financial Services	23.1%	-
Utilities	13.8%	100.0%
Real Estate	13.3%	-
Industrials	12.1%	-
Communication Services	9.8%	-
Energy	7.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	6.4%	-
Healthcare	4.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	-
Basic Materials	3.1%	-
Technology	2.9%	-

Return for Risk

WDIV vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

WDIV

WDIV Risk / Return Rank: 59
WDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
WDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
WDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 62
WDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
WDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 54

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 19
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 18
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

WDIV vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF (WDIV) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	WDIV	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	0.63	+1.53
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.10	0.94	+2.16
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.39	1.12	+0.27
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	1.00	+1.55
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	9.39	2.24	+7.15
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

WDIV vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WDIV Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WDIV and XLU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	WDIV	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.16	0.63	+1.53
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	0.54	+0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.48	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.40	+0.07

Drawdowns

WDIV vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDIV drawdown since its inception was -42.34%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDIV and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDIV	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.34%	-51.98%	+9.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.61%	-9.18%	+0.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.26%	-17.26%	+6.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.12%	-25.26%	+3.14%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.34%	-36.07%	-6.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.25%	-7.78%	+6.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.85%	-10.22%	+4.37%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.33%	4.09%	-1.76%

Volatility

WDIV vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF (WDIV) is 2.95%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.41%. This indicates that WDIV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WDIV	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.95%	5.41%	-2.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.01%	11.53%	-3.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.18%	14.57%	-4.39%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.77%	17.32%	-4.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.40%	19.26%	-3.86%

WDIV vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDIV has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDIV vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

WDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.04%, more than XLU's 2.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
WDIV SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF	4.04%	4.27%	4.63%	4.73%	5.12%	4.15%	5.55%	3.99%	4.42%	3.62%	4.32%	5.03%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.72%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDIV and XLU in my portfolio?

WDIV and XLU have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WDIV or XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.41%) compared to WDIV (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WDIV dropped -42.34% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, WDIV or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.15% vs 7.48% for WDIV. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, WDIV has been the lower-risk option at 2.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WDIV or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.15% return vs 7.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WDIV or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for WDIV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, WDIV or XLU?

WDIV has the higher dividend yield at 4.04%, compared with 2.72% for XLU.

What is the main difference between WDIV and XLU?

WDIV is categorized as Global Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. WDIV tracks S&P Global Dividend Aristocrats Index sp_43, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for WDIV and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

WDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 0.63), 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.