XLI vs. XLC

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

XLI (Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - XLI is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the Industrial Select Sector Index, while XLC is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XLI returned 13.31%/yr vs 7.29%/yr for XLC. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLI charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

XLI vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLI achieves a 15.78% return, which is significantly higher than XLC's -5.99% return.

XLI

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -1.00%
• 6M: 9.83%
• YTD: 15.78%
• 1Y: 20.11%
• 3Y*: 19.42%
• 5Y*: 13.31%
• 10Y*: 13.79%
• ALL TIME*: 9.62%

XLC

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 0.79%
• 6M: -2.47%
• YTD: -5.99%
• 1Y: 3.53%
• 3Y*: 20.18%
• 5Y*: 7.29%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.40%

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

XLI vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	15.78%	19.35%	17.31%	18.13%	-5.57%	21.08%	10.91%	29.08%	-12.95%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-5.99%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-16.45%

Correlation

The correlation between XLI and XLC is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2018	0.57

Over the past year, the correlation between XLI and XLC has dropped to 0.34 - well below their long-term average of 0.57, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

XLI vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLI	XLC
Industrials	93.3%	-
Technology	6.3%	8.7%
Utilities	5.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	0.1%	-
Communication Services	-	91.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

XLI vs. XLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLI

XLI Risk / Return Rank: 46
XLI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
XLI Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
XLI Omega Ratio Rank: 43
XLI Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
XLI Martin Ratio Rank: 52

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 15
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 14
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.21	0.26	+0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.79	0.46	+1.33
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.05	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.65	0.31	+1.35
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.39	0.84	+5.55

XLI vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLI Sharpe Ratio is 1.21, which is higher than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLI and XLC, 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. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLI drawdown since its inception was -62.26%, which is greater than XLC's maximum drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLI and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLI	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.26%	-46.65%	-15.61%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.21%	-11.57%	-0.64%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.49%	-17.97%	-0.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.64%	-46.65%	+25.01%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.33%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.72%	-7.84%	+4.12%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.17%	-10.55%	+1.38%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.16%	4.22%	-1.06%

Volatility

XLI vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) is 4.98%, while Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) has a volatility of 5.32%. This indicates that XLI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLI	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.98%	5.32%	-0.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.79%	11.11%	+2.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.65%	13.95%	+2.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.53%	20.79%	-3.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.01%	22.13%	-2.12%

XLI vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLI has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

XLI vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

XLI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.15%, less than XLC's 1.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.30%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.15%	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 XLC in my portfolio?

XLI and XLC have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLI or XLC?

XLC has higher volatility (5.32%) compared to XLI (4.98%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLI dropped -62.26% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, XLI or XLC?

On 5-year performance, XLI leads with 13.31% vs 7.29% for XLC. On fees, XLI is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLI has been the lower-risk option at 4.98%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLI or XLC?

Over the 5-year period, XLI has performed better with a 13.31% return vs 7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLI or XLC?

XLI is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for XLC.

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

XLC has the higher dividend yield at 1.30%, compared with 1.15% for XLI.

What is the main difference between XLI and XLC?

XLI is categorized as Industrials Equities, while XLC is Communications Equities. XLI tracks Industrial Select Sector Index, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLI and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 0.26), 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.