XLC vs. XTL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) and XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) are both Communications Equities funds from State Street - XLC tracks the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index while XTL tracks the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XLC returned 7.11%/yr vs 17.85%/yr for XTL. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLC charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XTL.

Performance

XLC vs. XTL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) and SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLC achieves a -8.70% return, which is significantly lower than XTL's 45.48% return.

XLC

• 1D: -2.11%
• 1M: -7.21%
• YTD: -8.70%
• 6M: -7.87%
• 1Y: 5.47%
• 3Y*: 19.94%
• 5Y*: 7.11%
• 10Y*: —

XTL

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: -5.01%
• YTD: 45.48%
• 6M: 42.07%
• 1Y: 105.42%
• 3Y*: 46.16%
• 5Y*: 17.85%
• 10Y*: 15.90%

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

XLC vs. XTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-8.70%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-16.45%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	45.48%	44.95%	34.89%	-1.17%	-19.18%	21.58%	22.46%	12.51%	-14.63%

Correlation

The correlation between XLC and XTL is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2018	0.63

Over the past year, the correlation between XLC and XTL has dropped to 0.39 - well below their long-term average of 0.63, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

XLC vs. XTL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLC	XTL
Communication Services	95.6%	35.0%
Technology	4.2%	62.7%
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	2.3%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XLC vs. XTL — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLC

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

XTL

XTL Risk / Return Rank: 92
XTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
XTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
XTL Omega Ratio Rank: 87
XTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
XTL Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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.

XLC vs. XTL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) and SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL). 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.

	XLC	XTL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.41	3.51	-3.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.66	3.96	-3.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.52	-0.44
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.52	7.21	-6.69
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.56	28.34	-26.78

XLC vs. XTL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLC Sharpe Ratio is 0.41, which is lower than the XTL Sharpe Ratio of 3.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLC and XTL, 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

XLC vs. XTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLC drawdown since its inception was -46.65%, which is greater than XTL's maximum drawdown of -37.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLC and XTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLC	XTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.65%	-37.01%	-9.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.57%	-14.70%	+4.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.97%	-22.79%	+4.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.65%	-37.01%	-9.64%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-37.01%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.49%	-10.30%	-0.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.57%	-9.76%	-0.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.52%	3.73%	-0.21%

Volatility

XLC vs. XTL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) is 4.63%, while SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) has a volatility of 11.45%. This indicates that XLC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XTL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLC	XTL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.63%	11.45%	-6.82%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.25%	23.63%	-13.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.57%	30.23%	-16.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.74%	25.37%	-4.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.18%	23.69%	-1.51%

XLC vs. XTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLC has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than XTL's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLC vs. XTL - Dividend Comparison

XLC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.57%, more than XTL's 1.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.34%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	1.20%	1.05%	0.62%	0.80%	0.74%	1.25%	0.88%	0.92%	1.90%	2.08%	1.11%	1.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLC and XTL in my portfolio?

XLC and XTL have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLC or XTL?

XTL has higher volatility (11.45%) compared to XLC (4.63%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLC dropped -46.65% vs XTL's -37.01%.

Which ETF is better, XLC or XTL?

On 5-year performance, XTL leads with 17.85% vs 7.11% for XLC. On fees, XLC is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, XLC has been the lower-risk option at 4.63%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLC or XTL?

Over the 5-year period, XTL has performed better with a 17.85% return vs 7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLC or XTL?

XLC is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XTL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLC or XTL?

XLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.57%, compared with 1.29% for XTL.

What is the main difference between XLC and XTL?

XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index, while XTL tracks S&P Telecom Select Industry Index. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for XLC and 0.35% for XTL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.51 vs 0.41), 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.