XLEI vs. MDST

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XLEI (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) and MDST (Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF) are both Energy Equities funds. XLEI is passively managed, while MDST is actively managed. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLEI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for MDST.

Performance

XLEI vs. MDST - 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 Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLEI achieves a 14.83% return, which is significantly lower than MDST's 16.53% return.

XLEI

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: -4.42%
• YTD: 14.83%
• 6M: 15.67%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

MDST

• 1D: 1.73%
• 1M: -1.91%
• YTD: 16.53%
• 6M: 16.66%
• 1Y: 20.94%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XLEI vs. MDST - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	14.83%	6.17%
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	16.53%	2.85%

Correlation

The correlation between XLEI and MDST is 0.57, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2025	0.57

XLEI vs. MDST - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

XLEI vs. MDST — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLEI

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

MDST

MDST Risk / Return Rank: 55
MDST Sharpe Ratio Rank: 53
MDST Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
MDST Omega Ratio Rank: 52
MDST Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
MDST Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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. MDST - 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 Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST). 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.

	XLEI	MDST	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	1.69	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	2.42	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.30	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.12	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	8.43	—

Drawdowns

XLEI vs. MDST - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLEI drawdown since its inception was -7.98%, smaller than the maximum MDST drawdown of -14.19%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLEI and MDST.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLEI	MDST	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.98%	-14.19%	+6.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-6.74%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.56%	-2.20%	-3.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.67%	-2.20%	+0.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	2.49%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLEI	MDST	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.87%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	8.71%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.89%	12.45%	+1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.89%	16.11%	-2.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.89%	16.11%	-2.22%

XLEI vs. MDST - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLEI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than MDST's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLEI vs. MDST - Dividend Comparison

XLEI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.40%, more than MDST's 9.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
MDST Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF	9.20%	10.22%	6.60%
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	17.40%	10.17%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLEI and MDST in my portfolio?

XLEI and MDST have a correlation of 0.57, 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 MDST?

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 MDST?

XLEI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for MDST.

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

XLEI has the higher dividend yield at 17.40%, compared with 9.20% for MDST.

What is the main difference between XLEI and MDST?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Westwood. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XLEI and 0.80% for MDST.