XHB vs. XLB

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

XHB (SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF) and XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XHB is a Building & Construction fund tracking the S&P Homebuilders Select Industry Index, while XLB is a Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XHB returned 13.53%/yr vs 10.54%/yr for XLB. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XHB charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLB.

Performance

XHB vs. XLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XHB achieves a 4.66% return, which is significantly lower than XLB's 15.57% return. Over the past 10 years, XHB has outperformed XLB with an annualized return of 13.53%, while XLB has yielded a comparatively lower 10.54% annualized return.

XHB

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: 7.49%
• YTD: 4.66%
• 6M: 0.06%
• 1Y: 14.89%
• 3Y*: 12.84%
• 5Y*: 9.05%
• 10Y*: 13.53%

XLB

• 1D: 1.87%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 15.57%
• 6M: 16.68%
• 1Y: 21.77%
• 3Y*: 10.88%
• 5Y*: 6.01%
• 10Y*: 10.54%

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

XHB vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XHB SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF	4.66%	-0.69%	9.87%	60.10%	-28.93%	49.70%	27.97%	41.30%	-25.73%	31.80%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	15.57%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%

Correlation

The correlation between XHB and XLB is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.74
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2006	0.66

The correlation between XHB and XLB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

XHB vs. XLB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XHB	XLB
Consumer Cyclical	60.5%	12.7%
Industrials	38.4%	1.5%
Real Estate	1.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	87.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XHB vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank

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

XHB

XHB Risk / Return Rank: 17
XHB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
XHB Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
XHB Omega Ratio Rank: 17
XHB Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
XHB Martin Ratio Rank: 15

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 37
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 34
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 38
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 37

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.

XHB vs. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). 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.

	XHB	XLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.42	1.17	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.87	1.73	-0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.20	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.55	1.65	-1.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.13	5.05	-3.92

XHB vs. XLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XHB Sharpe Ratio is 0.42, which is lower than the XLB Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XHB and XLB, 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

XHB vs. XLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XHB drawdown since its inception was -81.61%, which is greater than XLB's maximum drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XHB and XLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	XHB	XLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-81.61%	-59.83%	-21.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-21.71%	-12.38%	-9.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.53%	-23.17%	-7.36%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.46%	-24.72%	-14.74%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-49.57%	-37.27%	-12.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.34%	-2.25%	-11.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.58%	-10.83%	-16.75%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.51%	4.04%	+6.47%

Volatility

XHB vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) has a higher volatility of 9.42% compared to Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) at 7.05%. This indicates that XHB's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XHB	XLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.42%	7.05%	+2.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.63%	13.58%	+7.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.30%	17.49%	+10.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.77%	19.06%	+8.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.47%	20.70%	+6.77%

XHB vs. XLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

XHB has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLB's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

XHB vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison

XHB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%, less than XLB's 1.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XHB SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF	0.60%	0.78%	0.59%	0.77%	1.06%	0.51%	0.73%	0.89%	1.25%	0.72%	0.67%	0.50%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.68%	1.92%	1.92%	2.00%	2.26%	1.62%	1.72%	1.98%	2.20%	1.66%	1.95%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XHB and XLB in my portfolio?

XHB and XLB have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XHB or XLB?

XHB has higher volatility (9.42%) compared to XLB (7.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XHB dropped -81.61% vs XLB's -59.83%.

Which ETF is better, XHB or XLB?

On 10-year performance, XHB leads with 13.53% vs 10.54% for XLB. On fees, XLB is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLB has been the lower-risk option at 7.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XHB or XLB?

Over the 10-year period, XHB has performed better with a 13.53% return vs 10.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XHB or XLB?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XHB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XHB or XLB?

XLB has the higher dividend yield at 1.68%, compared with 0.60% for XHB.

What is the main difference between XHB and XLB?

XHB is categorized as Building & Construction, while XLB is Materials. XHB tracks S&P Homebuilders Select Industry Index, while XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XHB and 0.13% for XLB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLB currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 vs 0.42), 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.