XLE vs. FTGC
XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) and FTGC (First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index, while FTGC is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust. XLE is passively managed, while FTGC is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLE returned 9.05%/yr vs 7.29%/yr for FTGC. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLE charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for FTGC.
Performance
XLE vs. FTGC - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, XLE achieves a 24.89% return, which is significantly higher than FTGC's 23.17% return. Over the past 10 years, XLE has outperformed FTGC with an annualized return of 9.05%, while FTGC has yielded a comparatively lower 7.29% annualized return.
XLE
- 1D
- 0.47%
- 1M
- -2.88%
- 6M
- 19.65%
- YTD
- 24.89%
- 1Y
- 27.45%
- 3Y*
- 13.38%
- 5Y*
- 20.12%
- 10Y*
- 9.05%
FTGC
- 1D
- -0.11%
- 1M
- 0.98%
- 6M
- 21.09%
- YTD
- 23.17%
- 1Y
- 31.25%
- 3Y*
- 15.14%
- 5Y*
- 12.87%
- 10Y*
- 7.29%
XLE vs. FTGC - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF | 24.89% | 7.88% | 5.56% | -0.63% | 64.32% | 53.28% | -32.67% | 11.74% | -18.22% | -0.89% |
FTGC First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund | 23.17% | 14.61% | 9.96% | -5.36% | 17.36% | 27.95% | 2.17% | 6.40% | -12.75% | 2.73% |
Correlation
The correlation between XLE and FTGC is 0.52, 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 | 0.52 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.52 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.58 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.52 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 23, 2013 | 0.51 |
The correlation between XLE and FTGC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
XLE vs. FTGC — Risk / Return Rank
XLE
FTGC
XLE vs. FTGC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC). 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 | FTGC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.74 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.95 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.37 | -0.14 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.88 | 2.67 | -0.80 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.10 | 9.04 | -3.94 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
XLE vs. FTGC - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum XLE drawdown since its inception was -71.26%, which is greater than FTGC's maximum drawdown of -59.47%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLE and FTGC.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| XLE | FTGC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -71.26% | -59.47% | -11.79% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -14.98% | -12.34% | -2.64% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -20.14% | -12.34% | -7.80% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -26.04% | -22.64% | -3.40% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -66.81% | -35.91% | -30.90% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -11.32% | -7.64% | -3.68% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -17.96% | -27.27% | +9.31% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 5.50% | 3.64% | +1.86% |
Volatility
XLE vs. FTGC - Volatility Comparison
State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a higher volatility of 6.80% compared to First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) at 4.13%. This indicates that XLE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FTGC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| XLE | FTGC | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.80% | 4.13% | +2.67% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 16.70% | 13.34% | +3.36% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 20.83% | 15.76% | +5.07% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 25.91% | 15.86% | +10.05% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 29.57% | 14.71% | +14.86% |
XLE vs. FTGC - Expense Ratio Comparison
XLE has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than FTGC's 0.95% expense ratio.
Dividends
XLE vs. FTGC - Dividend Comparison
XLE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, less than FTGC's 15.73% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FTGC First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund | 15.73% | 17.74% | 3.05% | 3.34% | 10.35% | 7.21% | 0.00% | 0.81% | 0.80% | 1.21% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF | 2.75% | 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
XLE and FTGC have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
XLE has higher volatility (6.80%) compared to FTGC (4.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLE dropped -71.26% vs FTGC's -59.47%.
On 10-year performance, XLE leads with 9.05% vs 7.29% for FTGC. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, FTGC has been the lower-risk option at 4.13%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, XLE has performed better with a 9.05% return vs 7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FTGC.
FTGC has the higher dividend yield at 15.73%, compared with 2.75% for XLE.
XLE is categorized as Energy Equities, while FTGC is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: State Street and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLE and 0.95% for FTGC.
FTGC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.10 vs 1.35), 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.
Find the right allocation for XLE and FTGC
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer