XLEI vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XLEI (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - XLEI is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Energy Select Sector, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. Both are passively managed. At a correlation of -0.00, they often move in opposite directions. XLEI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

XLEI vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLEI achieves a 20.42% return, which is significantly higher than GLD's 2.92% return.

XLEI

• 1D: 1.05%
• 1M: 1.40%
• YTD: 20.42%
• 6M: 20.06%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 2.92%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: 32.04%
• 3Y*: 31.09%
• 5Y*: 18.15%
• 10Y*: 13.12%

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

XLEI vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	20.42%	6.77%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	2.92%	31.68%

Correlation

The correlation between XLEI and GLD is -0.00, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2025	-0.00

XLEI vs. GLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLEI	GLD
Financial Services	100.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	100.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XLEI vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 32
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

XLEI vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLEI) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XLEI	GLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.21	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.01	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.65	0.60	+2.05

Drawdowns

XLEI vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLEI drawdown since its inception was -7.98%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLEI and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLEI	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.98%	-45.56%	+37.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.21%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.97%	-17.75%	+16.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.52%	-16.16%	+14.64%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.73%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLEI	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.51%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	23.16%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.16%	26.61%	-13.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.16%	18.00%	-4.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.16%	15.95%	-2.79%

XLEI vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLEI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLEI vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

XLEI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.59%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	16.59%	10.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLEI and GLD in my portfolio?

XLEI and GLD have a correlation of -0.00, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XLEI or GLD?

On fees, XLEI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLEI or GLD?

XLEI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLEI or GLD?

XLEI has the higher dividend yield at 16.59%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between XLEI and GLD?

XLEI is categorized as Energy Equities, while GLD is Gold. XLEI tracks S&P Energy Select Sector, while GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XLEI and 0.40% for GLD.