XITK vs. FXU

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

XITK (SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF) and FXU (First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - XITK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the FactSet Innovative Technology Index, while FXU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the StrataQuant Utilities Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XITK returned 13.16%/yr vs 9.10%/yr for FXU. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XITK charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.62%/yr for FXU.

Performance

XITK vs. FXU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF (XITK) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XITK achieves a 5.29% return, which is significantly lower than FXU's 12.14% return. Over the past 10 years, XITK has outperformed FXU with an annualized return of 13.16%, while FXU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.10% annualized return.

XITK

• 1D: -1.63%
• 1M: -3.25%
• 6M: 2.14%
• YTD: 5.29%
• 1Y: 2.28%
• 3Y*: 10.62%
• 5Y*: -2.94%
• 10Y*: 13.16%

FXU

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: 3.65%
• 6M: 11.97%
• YTD: 12.14%
• 1Y: 19.99%
• 3Y*: 18.39%
• 5Y*: 13.07%
• 10Y*: 9.10%

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

XITK vs. FXU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XITK SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF	5.29%	2.53%	19.12%	45.87%	-47.45%	-11.24%	90.22%	36.98%	7.60%	36.01%
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	12.14%	21.86%	22.50%	-2.12%	3.68%	17.67%	1.53%	11.67%	5.43%	0.98%

Correlation

The correlation between XITK and FXU is -0.14, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.14
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.13
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 14, 2016	0.19

The correlation between XITK and FXU shifts across timeframes, from -0.14 (1 year) to 0.19 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XITK vs. FXU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XITK	FXU
Technology	82.4%	-
Communication Services	10.4%	-
Healthcare	3.1%	-
Industrials	1.6%	4.0%
Financial Services	1.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.8%	-
Real Estate	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	3.6%
Utilities	-	92.4%

Return for Risk

XITK vs. FXU — Risk / Return Rank

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

XITK

XITK Risk / Return Rank: 11
XITK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
XITK Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
XITK Omega Ratio Rank: 11
XITK Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
XITK Martin Ratio Rank: 10

FXU

FXU Risk / Return Rank: 52
FXU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
FXU Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
FXU Omega Ratio Rank: 49
FXU Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
FXU Martin Ratio Rank: 45

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.

XITK vs. FXU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF (XITK) and First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU). 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.

	XITK	FXU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.08	1.48	-1.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.31	2.04	-1.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.25	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.08	2.33	-2.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.19	5.92	-5.73

XITK vs. FXU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XITK Sharpe Ratio is 0.08, which is lower than the FXU Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XITK and FXU, 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

XITK vs. FXU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XITK drawdown since its inception was -65.56%, which is greater than FXU's maximum drawdown of -49.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XITK and FXU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XITK	FXU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.56%	-49.00%	-16.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.03%	-8.63%	-19.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.18%	-17.46%	-10.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-61.53%	-21.87%	-39.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-65.56%	-34.81%	-30.75%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.21%	-2.12%	-26.09%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.12%	-7.62%	-14.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	12.30%	3.39%	+8.91%

Volatility

XITK vs. FXU - Volatility Comparison

SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF (XITK) has a higher volatility of 10.16% compared to First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) at 4.43%. This indicates that XITK's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FXU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XITK	FXU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.16%	4.43%	+5.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.62%	10.71%	+13.91%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.54%	13.58%	+14.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	33.01%	16.61%	+16.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.66%	18.37%	+11.29%

XITK vs. FXU - Expense Ratio Comparison

XITK has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than FXU's 0.62% expense ratio.

Dividends

XITK vs. FXU - Dividend Comparison

XITK has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FXU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.13%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FXU First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund	2.13%	2.29%	2.41%	2.52%	2.03%	2.00%	3.97%	2.34%	2.40%	3.81%	2.62%	3.90%
XITK SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.08%	0.11%	0.00%	0.06%	0.14%	1.50%	1.74%	1.88%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XITK and FXU in my portfolio?

XITK and FXU have a correlation of -0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XITK or FXU?

XITK has higher volatility (10.16%) compared to FXU (4.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XITK dropped -65.56% vs FXU's -49.00%.

Which ETF is better, XITK or FXU?

On 10-year performance, XITK leads with 13.16% vs 9.10% for FXU. On fees, XITK is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FXU has been the lower-risk option at 4.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XITK or FXU?

Over the 10-year period, XITK has performed better with a 13.16% return vs 9.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XITK or FXU?

XITK is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.62% for FXU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XITK or FXU?

FXU has the higher dividend yield at 2.13%, compared with 0.00% for XITK.

What is the main difference between XITK and FXU?

XITK is categorized as Technology Equities, while FXU is Utilities Equities. XITK tracks FactSet Innovative Technology Index, while FXU tracks StrataQuant Utilities Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for XITK and 0.62% for FXU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FXU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 0.08), 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.