XLI vs. FIDU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XLI (Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund) and FIDU (Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF) are both Industrials Equities funds - XLI tracks the Industrial Select Sector Index while FIDU tracks the MSCI USA IMI Industrials Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLI returned 14.79%/yr vs 15.01%/yr for FIDU. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

XLI vs. FIDU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLI achieves a 17.82% return, which is significantly lower than FIDU's 19.68% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with XLI having a 14.79% annualized return and FIDU not far ahead at 15.01%.

XLI

• 1D: 0.74%
• 1M: 6.10%
• YTD: 17.82%
• 6M: 16.37%
• 1Y: 29.73%
• 3Y*: 22.49%
• 5Y*: 14.10%
• 10Y*: 14.79%

FIDU

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 5.73%
• YTD: 19.68%
• 6M: 17.69%
• 1Y: 33.14%
• 3Y*: 23.11%
• 5Y*: 14.37%
• 10Y*: 15.01%

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

XLI vs. FIDU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	17.82%	19.35%	17.31%	18.13%	-5.57%	21.08%	10.91%	29.08%	-13.25%	23.98%
FIDU Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF	19.68%	18.61%	16.51%	22.62%	-8.36%	20.96%	13.72%	30.69%	-13.85%	22.22%

Correlation

The correlation between XLI and FIDU is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 24, 2013	0.99

The correlation between XLI and FIDU has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

XLI vs. FIDU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLI	FIDU
Industrials	91.2%	90.3%
Utilities	4.5%	4.1%
Technology	3.7%	4.0%
Consumer Cyclical	0.5%	1.0%
Basic Materials	-	0.1%
Communication Services	-	0.0%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Financial Services	-	0.0%
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

XLI vs. FIDU — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLI

XLI Risk / Return Rank: 54
XLI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
XLI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
XLI Omega Ratio Rank: 52
XLI Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
XLI Martin Ratio Rank: 57

FIDU

FIDU Risk / Return Rank: 59
FIDU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 60
FIDU Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FIDU Omega Ratio Rank: 54
FIDU Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
FIDU Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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. FIDU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) and Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF (FIDU). 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.

	XLI	FIDU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.84	1.93	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.61	2.70	-0.09
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.33	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	2.72	-0.28
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.64	11.20	-1.56

XLI vs. FIDU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLI Sharpe Ratio is 1.84, which is comparable to the FIDU Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLI and FIDU, 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

XLI vs. FIDU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLI drawdown since its inception was -62.26%, which is greater than FIDU's maximum drawdown of -42.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLI and FIDU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLI	FIDU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.26%	-42.31%	-19.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.21%	-12.23%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.49%	-20.52%	+2.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.64%	-22.87%	+1.23%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.33%	-42.31%	-0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.19%	-4.79%	-4.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	2.97%	+0.12%

Volatility

XLI vs. FIDU - Volatility Comparison

Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) and Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF (FIDU) have volatilities of 5.80% and 6.07%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLI	FIDU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.80%	6.07%	-0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.50%	14.15%	-0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.22%	17.29%	-1.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.53%	18.37%	-0.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.05%	20.37%	-0.32%

XLI vs. FIDU - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XLI and FIDU have an expense ratio of 0.08%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

XLI vs. FIDU - Dividend Comparison

XLI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.37%, more than FIDU's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FIDU Fidelity MSCI Industrials Index ETF	0.92%	1.02%	1.42%	1.42%	1.48%	1.12%	1.28%	1.73%	1.99%	1.60%	1.63%	1.98%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.37%	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 FIDU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, XLI and FIDU 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 FIDU?

FIDU has higher volatility (6.07%) compared to XLI (5.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLI dropped -62.26% vs FIDU's -42.31%.

Which ETF is better, XLI or FIDU?

On 10-year performance, FIDU leads with 15.01% vs 14.79% for XLI. Both ETFs have the same 0.08% expense ratio. On volatility, XLI has been the lower-risk option at 5.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLI or FIDU?

Over the 10-year period, FIDU has performed better with a 15.01% return vs 14.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLI or FIDU?

XLI and FIDU have the same expense ratio: 0.08% per year.

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

XLI has the higher dividend yield at 1.37%, compared with 0.92% for FIDU.

What is the main difference between XLI and FIDU?

XLI tracks Industrial Select Sector Index, while FIDU tracks MSCI USA IMI Industrials Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Fidelity.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FIDU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 1.84), 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.