XLI vs. EXI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XLI (Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund) and EXI (iShares Global Industrials ETF) are both Industrials Equities funds - XLI tracks the Industrial Select Sector Index while EXI tracks the S&P Global 1200 / Industrials -SEC. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLI returned 13.99%/yr vs 12.43%/yr for EXI. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XLI charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for EXI.

Performance

XLI vs. EXI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) and iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLI achieves a 12.52% return, which is significantly higher than EXI's 10.88% return. Over the past 10 years, XLI has outperformed EXI with an annualized return of 13.99%, while EXI has yielded a comparatively lower 12.43% annualized return.

XLI

• 1D: -0.08%
• 1M: 1.80%
• YTD: 12.52%
• 6M: 13.57%
• 1Y: 22.72%
• 3Y*: 21.72%
• 5Y*: 12.26%
• 10Y*: 13.99%

EXI

• 1D: -0.21%
• 1M: 1.21%
• YTD: 10.88%
• 6M: 13.08%
• 1Y: 22.09%
• 3Y*: 20.74%
• 5Y*: 11.17%
• 10Y*: 12.43%

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

XLI vs. EXI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	12.52%	19.35%	17.31%	18.13%	-5.57%	21.08%	10.91%	29.08%	-13.25%	23.98%
EXI iShares Global Industrials ETF	10.88%	25.88%	12.47%	22.04%	-12.36%	17.37%	11.33%	27.13%	-14.41%	25.16%

Correlation

The correlation between XLI and EXI is 0.91, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 28, 2006	0.91

The correlation between XLI and EXI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

XLI vs. EXI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLI	EXI
Industrials	90.3%	92.8%
Utilities	5.2%	2.9%
Technology	3.8%	2.7%
Consumer Cyclical	0.5%	0.6%
Basic Materials	-	0.2%
Communication Services	-	0.6%
Consumer Defensive	-	0.1%
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

XLI vs. EXI — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLI

XLI Risk / Return Rank: 41
XLI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
XLI Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
XLI Omega Ratio Rank: 38
XLI Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
XLI Martin Ratio Rank: 45

EXI

EXI Risk / Return Rank: 40
EXI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
EXI Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
EXI Omega Ratio Rank: 39
EXI Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
EXI Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

XLI vs. EXI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) and iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI). 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.

	XLI	EXI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	1.39	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.18	2.09	+0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.26	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.87	1.80	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.41	7.30	+0.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XLI vs. EXI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLI Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is comparable to the EXI Sharpe Ratio of 1.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLI and EXI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XLI	EXI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.49	1.39	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71	0.66	+0.05
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.70	0.68	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.45	0.42	+0.03

Drawdowns

XLI vs. EXI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLI drawdown since its inception was -62.26%, roughly equal to the maximum EXI drawdown of -62.60%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLI and EXI.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLI	EXI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.26%	-62.60%	+0.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.21%	-12.35%	+0.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.49%	-14.38%	-4.11%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.64%	-27.23%	+5.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.33%	-39.56%	-2.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.44%	-3.16%	+0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.21%	-9.97%	+0.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	3.03%	+0.04%

Volatility

XLI vs. EXI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) is 4.80%, while iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI) has a volatility of 5.33%. This indicates that XLI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than EXI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLI	EXI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.80%	5.33%	-0.53%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.79%	13.42%	-0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	15.92%	-0.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.42%	16.99%	+0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.98%	18.41%	+1.57%

XLI vs. EXI - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLI has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than EXI's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLI vs. EXI - Dividend Comparison

XLI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.18%, which matches EXI's 1.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EXI iShares Global Industrials ETF	1.19%	1.32%	1.47%	1.84%	1.63%	1.42%	1.26%	1.72%	2.21%	1.48%	1.75%	1.95%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.18%	1.29%	1.44%	1.63%	1.63%	1.25%	1.55%	1.94%	2.15%	1.77%	2.07%	2.15%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLI and EXI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, XLI and EXI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, XLI or EXI?

EXI has higher volatility (5.33%) compared to XLI (4.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLI dropped -62.26% vs EXI's -62.60%.

Which ETF is better, XLI or EXI?

On 10-year performance, XLI leads with 13.99% vs 12.43% for EXI. On fees, XLI is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLI has been the lower-risk option at 4.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLI or EXI?

Over the 10-year period, XLI has performed better with a 13.99% return vs 12.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLI or EXI?

XLI is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.43% for EXI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLI or EXI?

EXI has the higher dividend yield at 1.19%, compared with 1.18% for XLI.

What is the main difference between XLI and EXI?

XLI tracks Industrial Select Sector Index, while EXI tracks S&P Global 1200 / Industrials -SEC. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLI and 0.43% for EXI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs 1.39), 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.