XLE vs. BESF

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) and BESF (Bastion Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. XLE is passively managed, while BESF is actively managed. Over the past year, XLE returned 30.11% vs 55.80% for BESF. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLE charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for BESF.

Performance

XLE vs. BESF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLE achieves a 21.47% return, which is significantly higher than BESF's 13.94% return.

XLE

• 1D: -1.63%
• 1M: -9.30%
• YTD: 21.47%
• 6M: 22.40%
• 1Y: 30.11%
• 3Y*: 15.10%
• 5Y*: 18.36%
• 10Y*: 9.19%

BESF

• 1D: -1.87%
• 1M: -8.03%
• YTD: 13.94%
• 6M: 13.42%
• 1Y: 55.80%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XLE vs. BESF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	21.47%	9.71%
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	13.94%	38.76%

Correlation

The correlation between XLE and BESF is 0.59, 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	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 4, 2025	0.59

The correlation between XLE and BESF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

XLE vs. BESF — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 44
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 40
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 43

BESF

BESF Risk / Return Rank: 81
BESF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
BESF Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
BESF Omega Ratio Rank: 73
BESF Calmar Ratio Rank: 91
BESF Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

XLE vs. BESF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF). 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.

	XLE	BESF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.46	2.28	-0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.98	3.08	-1.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.37	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.15	5.11	-2.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.33	13.92	-7.59

XLE vs. BESF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLE Sharpe Ratio is 1.46, which is lower than the BESF Sharpe Ratio of 2.28. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLE and BESF, 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

XLE vs. BESF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLE drawdown since its inception was -71.26%, which is greater than BESF's maximum drawdown of -10.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLE and BESF.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLE	BESF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.26%	-10.97%	-60.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.05%	-10.97%	-3.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-66.81%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.75%	-10.44%	-3.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.96%	-2.77%	-15.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.77%	4.02%	+0.75%

Volatility

XLE vs. BESF - Volatility Comparison

State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and Bastion Energy ETF (BESF) have volatilities of 7.16% and 7.11%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLE	BESF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.16%	7.11%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.92%	15.05%	+1.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.83%	24.70%	-3.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.99%	24.43%	+1.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.60%	24.43%	+5.17%

XLE vs. BESF - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLE has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than BESF's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLE vs. BESF - Dividend Comparison

XLE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.83%, less than BESF's 5.97% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BESF Bastion Energy ETF	5.97%	6.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.83%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLE and BESF in my portfolio?

XLE and BESF have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLE or BESF?

XLE has higher volatility (7.16%) compared to BESF (7.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLE dropped -71.26% vs BESF's -10.97%.

Which ETF is better, XLE or BESF?

On 1-year performance, BESF leads with 55.80% vs 30.11% for XLE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLE or BESF?

Over the 1-year period, BESF has performed better with a 55.80% return vs 30.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLE or BESF?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for BESF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLE or BESF?

BESF has the higher dividend yield at 5.97%, compared with 2.83% for XLE.

What is the main difference between XLE and BESF?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Bastion. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLE and 0.80% for BESF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BESF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.46), 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.