XLB vs. METL

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) and METL (Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLB is a Materials fund tracking the Materials Select Sector Index, while METL is a Natural Resources fund actively managed by Sprott. XLB is passively managed, while METL is actively managed. A 0.62 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLB charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.89%/yr for METL.

Performance

XLB vs. METL - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLB achieves a 11.23% return, which is significantly higher than METL's -6.10% return.

XLB

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -3.07%
• 6M: 3.62%
• YTD: 11.23%
• 1Y: 12.93%
• 3Y*: 8.17%
• 5Y*: 6.37%
• 10Y*: 9.64%
• ALL TIME*: 8.27%

METL

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: -15.36%
• 6M: -19.31%
• YTD: -6.10%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: —

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

XLB vs. METL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	11.23%	1.17%
METL Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF	-6.10%	28.19%

Correlation

The correlation between XLB and METL is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2025	0.62

Return for Risk

XLB vs. METL — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 25
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 30

METL

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

XLB vs. METL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) and Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF (METL). 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.

	XLB	METL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.74	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.15	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.05	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.08	—	—

Drawdowns

XLB vs. METL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLB drawdown since its inception was -59.83%, which is greater than METL's maximum drawdown of -28.80%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLB and METL.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLB	METL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.83%	-28.80%	-31.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.38%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.17%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.27%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.93%	-28.80%	+22.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.81%	-10.00%	-0.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.20%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLB	METL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.74%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.58%	44.16%	-26.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.03%	44.16%	-25.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.64%	44.16%	-23.52%

XLB vs. METL - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLB has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than METL's 0.89% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLB vs. METL - Dividend Comparison

XLB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.70%, more than METL's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
METL Sprott Active Metals & Miners ETF	1.06%	0.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.70%	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 XLB and METL in my portfolio?

XLB and METL have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XLB or METL?

On fees, XLB is cheaper at 0.13% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLB or METL?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.89% for METL.

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

XLB has the higher dividend yield at 1.70%, compared with 1.06% for METL.

What is the main difference between XLB and METL?

XLB is categorized as Materials, while METL is Natural Resources. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Sprott. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for XLB and 0.89% for METL.