XITK vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XITK (SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XITK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the FactSet Innovative Technology Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XITK returned 14.35%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for XLU. At a 0.12 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XITK charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

XITK vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF (XITK) 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, XITK achieves a 13.97% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 3.11% return. Over the past 10 years, XITK has outperformed XLU with an annualized return of 14.35%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.15% annualized return.

XITK

• 1D: -3.51%
• 1M: 12.45%
• YTD: 13.97%
• 6M: 14.17%
• 1Y: 11.38%
• 3Y*: 17.58%
• 5Y*: -0.31%
• 10Y*: 14.35%

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)

XITK vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XITK SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF	13.97%	2.53%	19.12%	45.87%	-47.45%	-11.24%	90.22%	36.98%	7.60%	36.01%
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 XITK and XLU is 0.03, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.03
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.12
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 15, 2016	0.12

The correlation between XITK and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.03 (1 year) to 0.16 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XITK vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XITK	XLU
Technology	83.4%	-
Communication Services	8.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	2.2%	-
Industrials	2.0%	-
Financial Services	1.7%	-
Healthcare	1.6%	-
Real Estate	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Utilities	-	100.0%

Return for Risk

XITK vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

XITK

XITK Risk / Return Rank: 15
XITK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
XITK Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
XITK Omega Ratio Rank: 15
XITK Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
XITK Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

XITK vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF (XITK) 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.

	XITK	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.43	0.63	-0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.78	0.94	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.12	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.41	1.00	-0.59
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.95	2.24	-1.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XITK vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XITK Sharpe Ratio is 0.43, which is lower than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.63. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XITK 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

	XITK	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43	0.63	-0.20
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.01	0.54	-0.55
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	0.51	0.40	+0.12

Drawdowns

XITK vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XITK drawdown since its inception was -65.56%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XITK and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XITK	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.56%	-51.98%	-13.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-28.03%	-9.18%	-18.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.18%	-17.26%	-10.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-61.53%	-25.26%	-36.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-65.56%	-36.07%	-29.49%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.29%	-7.78%	-14.51%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.08%	-10.22%	-11.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.96%	4.09%	+7.87%

Volatility

XITK vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

SPDR FactSet Innovative Technology ETF (XITK) has a higher volatility of 8.59% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.41%. This indicates that XITK'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

	XITK	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.59%	5.41%	+3.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	21.87%	11.53%	+10.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.50%	14.57%	+11.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.63%	17.32%	+15.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.57%	19.26%	+10.31%

XITK vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

XITK has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

XITK vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

XITK has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.72%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
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 XITK and XLU in my portfolio?

XITK and XLU have a correlation of 0.03, 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 XLU?

XITK has higher volatility (8.59%) compared to XLU (5.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XITK dropped -65.56% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, XITK or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XITK leads with 14.35% vs 9.15% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XITK or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XITK has performed better with a 14.35% return vs 9.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XITK or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for XITK.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.72%, compared with 0.00% for XITK.

What is the main difference between XITK and XLU?

XITK is categorized as Technology Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. XITK tracks FactSet Innovative Technology Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for XITK and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.63 vs 0.43), 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.