XBI vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XBI is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XBI returned 8.53%/yr vs 9.22%/yr for XLU. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XBI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

XBI vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) 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, XBI achieves a 9.42% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 3.65% return. Over the past 10 years, XBI has underperformed XLU with an annualized return of 8.53%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.22% annualized return.

XBI

• 1D: 2.77%
• 1M: -0.28%
• YTD: 9.42%
• 6M: 8.61%
• 1Y: 62.35%
• 3Y*: 15.65%
• 5Y*: 1.14%
• 10Y*: 8.53%

XLU

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: -5.24%
• YTD: 3.65%
• 6M: 1.99%
• 1Y: 11.64%
• 3Y*: 13.76%
• 5Y*: 9.36%
• 10Y*: 9.22%

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

XBI vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	9.42%	35.89%	1.01%	7.60%	-25.87%	-20.45%	48.33%	32.56%	-15.28%	43.77%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.65%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between XBI and XLU is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 7, 2006	0.26

The correlation between XBI and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.12 (1 year) to 0.26 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XBI vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XBI	XLU
Healthcare	99.8%	-
Financial Services	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	0.2%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

XBI vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

XBI

XBI Risk / Return Rank: 80
XBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
XBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
XBI Omega Ratio Rank: 67
XBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
XBI Martin Ratio Rank: 89

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 24
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 23
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

XBI vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) 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.

	XBI	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.45	0.81	+1.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	1.18	+2.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.40	1.15	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.45	1.27	+5.17
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.53	2.84	+16.69
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XBI vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XBI Sharpe Ratio is 2.45, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XBI 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

	XBI	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.45	0.81	+1.64
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.04	0.54	-0.51
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.27	0.48	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.40	-0.03

Drawdowns

XBI vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XBI drawdown since its inception was -63.89%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XBI and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XBI	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.89%	-51.98%	-11.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.72%	-9.18%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-32.99%	-17.26%	-15.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-54.71%	-25.26%	-29.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.89%	-36.07%	-27.82%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.89%	-7.30%	-15.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.93%	-10.22%	-10.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.20%	4.11%	-0.91%

Volatility

XBI vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has a higher volatility of 9.69% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.47%. This indicates that XBI's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XBI	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.69%	5.47%	+4.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.31%	11.52%	+8.79%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.60%	14.57%	+11.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.20%	17.32%	+14.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.00%	19.25%	+12.75%

XBI vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

XBI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

XBI vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

XBI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.33%, less than XLU's 2.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	0.33%	0.37%	0.15%	0.02%	0.00%	0.04%	0.20%	0.00%	0.28%	0.24%	0.26%	0.61%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.71%	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 XBI and XLU in my portfolio?

XBI and XLU have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XBI or XLU?

XBI has higher volatility (9.69%) compared to XLU (5.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XBI dropped -63.89% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, XBI or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XLU leads with 9.22% vs 8.53% for XBI. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XBI or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.22% return vs 8.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XBI or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XBI.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.71%, compared with 0.33% for XBI.

What is the main difference between XBI and XLU?

XBI is categorized as Health & Biotech Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. XBI tracks S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XBI and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XBI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 0.81), 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.