XLB vs. SLX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) and SLX (VanEck Vectors Steel ETF) are both Materials funds - XLB tracks the Materials Select Sector Index while SLX tracks the NYSE Arca Steel Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLB returned 10.23%/yr vs 19.73%/yr for SLX. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLB charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for SLX.

Performance

XLB vs. SLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLB achieves a 14.35% return, which is significantly lower than SLX's 32.29% return. Over the past 10 years, XLB has underperformed SLX with an annualized return of 10.23%, while SLX has yielded a comparatively higher 19.73% annualized return.

XLB

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: 1.93%
• YTD: 14.35%
• 6M: 17.15%
• 1Y: 19.99%
• 3Y*: 11.71%
• 5Y*: 5.35%
• 10Y*: 10.23%

SLX

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: 9.68%
• YTD: 32.29%
• 6M: 36.55%
• 1Y: 77.34%
• 3Y*: 26.67%
• 5Y*: 16.14%
• 10Y*: 19.73%

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

XLB vs. SLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	14.35%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	32.29%	47.45%	-17.94%	31.25%	14.28%	27.69%	20.57%	12.01%	-19.27%	24.59%

Correlation

The correlation between XLB and SLX is 0.73, 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	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.74
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 18, 2006	0.79

The correlation between XLB and SLX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

XLB vs. SLX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLB	SLX
Basic Materials	87.6%	95.0%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	-
Industrials	1.5%	1.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	3.5%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XLB vs. SLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 32
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 30
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

SLX

SLX Risk / Return Rank: 86
SLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
SLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 88
SLX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
SLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
SLX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. SLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). 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.

	XLB	SLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.20	3.25	-2.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	4.05	-2.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.52	-0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.62	4.76	-3.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.06	16.63	-11.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XLB vs. SLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLB Sharpe Ratio is 1.20, which is lower than the SLX Sharpe Ratio of 3.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLB and SLX, 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

	XLB	SLX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.20	3.25	-2.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.28	0.59	-0.30
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.50	0.64	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.36	0.22	+0.14

Drawdowns

XLB vs. SLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLB drawdown since its inception was -59.83%, smaller than the maximum SLX drawdown of -82.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLB and SLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLB	SLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.83%	-82.14%	+22.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.38%	-16.35%	+3.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.17%	-27.39%	+4.22%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.72%	-33.62%	+8.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.27%	-61.64%	+24.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.28%	-1.15%	-2.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.84%	-38.73%	+27.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.96%	4.67%	-0.71%

Volatility

XLB vs. SLX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) is 5.73%, while VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX) has a volatility of 7.87%. This indicates that XLB experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLB	SLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.73%	7.87%	-2.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.85%	17.92%	-5.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.78%	23.92%	-7.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.94%	27.72%	-8.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.65%	31.02%	-10.37%

XLB vs. SLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLB has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than SLX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLB vs. SLX - Dividend Comparison

XLB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.69%, more than SLX's 1.17% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	1.17%	1.55%	3.56%	2.80%	4.97%	7.07%	1.87%	3.44%	6.26%	2.50%	1.06%	5.35%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.69%	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 SLX in my portfolio?

XLB and SLX have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLB or SLX?

SLX has higher volatility (7.87%) compared to XLB (5.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLB dropped -59.83% vs SLX's -82.14%.

Which ETF is better, XLB or SLX?

On 10-year performance, SLX leads with 19.73% vs 10.23% for XLB. On fees, XLB is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLB has been the lower-risk option at 5.73%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLB or SLX?

Over the 10-year period, SLX has performed better with a 19.73% return vs 10.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLB or SLX?

XLB is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for SLX.

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

XLB has the higher dividend yield at 1.69%, compared with 1.17% for SLX.

What is the main difference between XLB and SLX?

XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index, while SLX tracks NYSE Arca Steel Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for XLB and 0.56% for SLX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.25 vs 1.20), 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.