XLG vs. XBI

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) and XBI (SPDR S&P Biotech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLG is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Top 50 Index, while XBI is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLG returned 17.23%/yr vs 9.98%/yr for XBI. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLG charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XBI.

Performance

XLG vs. XBI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) and SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLG achieves a 5.56% return, which is significantly lower than XBI's 11.87% return. Over the past 10 years, XLG has outperformed XBI with an annualized return of 17.23%, while XBI has yielded a comparatively lower 9.98% annualized return.

XLG

• 1D: 1.88%
• 1M: -1.70%
• YTD: 5.56%
• 6M: 6.64%
• 1Y: 25.51%
• 3Y*: 22.53%
• 5Y*: 15.57%
• 10Y*: 17.23%

XBI

• 1D: 1.95%
• 1M: 4.37%
• YTD: 11.87%
• 6M: 11.41%
• 1Y: 63.76%
• 3Y*: 16.08%
• 5Y*: 0.52%
• 10Y*: 9.98%

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

XLG vs. XBI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	5.56%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-3.59%	23.04%
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	11.87%	35.89%	1.01%	7.60%	-25.87%	-20.45%	48.33%	32.56%	-15.28%	43.77%

Correlation

The correlation between XLG and XBI is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.42
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.51
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2006	0.57

The correlation between XLG and XBI shifts across timeframes, from 0.42 (1 year) to 0.57 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLG vs. XBI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLG	XBI
Technology	45.9%	-
Communication Services	15.9%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.6%	-
Financial Services	9.5%	0.3%
Healthcare	7.4%	99.7%
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	-
Energy	2.6%	-
Industrials	2.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.6%	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XLG vs. XBI — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 56
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 49

XBI

XBI Risk / Return Rank: 86
XBI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
XBI Sortino Ratio Rank: 83
XBI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
XBI Calmar Ratio Rank: 94
XBI Martin Ratio Rank: 91

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.

XLG vs. XBI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) and SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI). 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.

	XLG	XBI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	2.45	-0.59
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.52	3.29	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.39	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.06	6.59	-4.53
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.55	19.47	-11.92

XLG vs. XBI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLG Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is comparable to the XBI Sharpe Ratio of 2.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLG and XBI, 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

XLG vs. XBI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLG drawdown since its inception was -52.39%, smaller than the maximum XBI drawdown of -63.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLG and XBI.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLG	XBI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-52.39%	-63.89%	+11.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.41%	-9.72%	-2.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.70%	-32.99%	+12.29%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.02%	-54.71%	+26.69%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.46%	-63.89%	+33.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.28%	-21.16%	+17.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.64%	-20.93%	+13.29%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.39%	3.29%	+0.10%

Volatility

XLG vs. XBI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) is 4.58%, while SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) has a volatility of 10.55%. This indicates that XLG experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XBI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLG	XBI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.58%	10.55%	-5.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.57%	20.83%	-10.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.78%	26.18%	-12.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.76%	32.22%	-13.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.88%	32.03%	-13.15%

XLG vs. XBI - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLG has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than XBI's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLG vs. XBI - Dividend Comparison

XLG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.61%, more than XBI's 0.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XBI SPDR S&P Biotech ETF	0.32%	0.37%	0.15%	0.02%	0.00%	0.04%	0.20%	0.00%	0.28%	0.24%	0.26%	0.61%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.61%	0.64%	0.72%	0.97%	1.34%	0.94%	1.25%	1.58%	2.00%	1.85%	2.00%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLG and XBI in my portfolio?

XLG and XBI have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLG or XBI?

XBI has higher volatility (10.55%) compared to XLG (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLG dropped -52.39% vs XBI's -63.89%.

Which ETF is better, XLG or XBI?

On 10-year performance, XLG leads with 17.23% vs 9.98% for XBI. On fees, XLG is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, XLG has been the lower-risk option at 4.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLG or XBI?

Over the 10-year period, XLG has performed better with a 17.23% return vs 9.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLG or XBI?

XLG is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XBI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLG or XBI?

XLG has the higher dividend yield at 0.61%, compared with 0.32% for XBI.

What is the main difference between XLG and XBI?

XLG is categorized as S&P 500, while XBI is Health & Biotech Equities. XLG tracks S&P 500 Top 50 Index, while XBI tracks S&P Biotechnology Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for XLG and 0.35% for XBI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XBI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.45 vs 1.86), 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.