XLI vs. XLK

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XLI (Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund) and XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLI is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the Industrial Select Sector Index, while XLK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLI returned 14.55%/yr vs 25.48%/yr for XLK. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

XLI vs. XLK - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLI achieves a 15.45% return, which is significantly lower than XLK's 28.25% return. Over the past 10 years, XLI has underperformed XLK with an annualized return of 14.55%, while XLK has yielded a comparatively higher 25.48% annualized return.

XLI

• 1D: -2.01%
• 1M: 3.97%
• YTD: 15.45%
• 6M: 14.08%
• 1Y: 25.43%
• 3Y*: 21.67%
• 5Y*: 13.47%
• 10Y*: 14.55%

XLK

• 1D: -4.14%
• 1M: 2.23%
• YTD: 28.25%
• 6M: 26.51%
• 1Y: 52.47%
• 3Y*: 30.61%
• 5Y*: 21.34%
• 10Y*: 25.48%

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

XLI vs. XLK - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	15.45%	19.35%	17.31%	18.13%	-5.57%	21.08%	10.91%	29.08%	-13.25%	23.98%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	28.25%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%

Correlation

The correlation between XLI and XLK is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.56
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.63
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.61
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 1998	0.67

The correlation between XLI and XLK shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (1 year) to 0.67 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLI vs. XLK - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLI	XLK
Industrials	91.2%	0.1%
Utilities	4.5%	-
Technology	3.7%	99.7%
Consumer Cyclical	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.2%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

XLI vs. XLK — 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: 50

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 66
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 64
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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. XLK - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK). 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	XLK	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.57	2.25	-0.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	2.77	-0.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.38	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.09	3.31	-1.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.24	10.56	-2.32

XLI vs. XLK - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLI Sharpe Ratio is 1.57, which is lower than the XLK Sharpe Ratio of 2.25. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLI and XLK, 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. XLK - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLI drawdown since its inception was -62.26%, smaller than the maximum XLK drawdown of -82.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLI and XLK.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLI	XLK	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.26%	-82.05%	+19.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.21%	-15.92%	+3.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.49%	-25.66%	+7.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.64%	-33.56%	+11.92%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.33%	-33.56%	-8.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.01%	-6.96%	+4.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.19%	-34.90%	+25.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.09%	4.98%	-1.89%

Volatility

XLI vs. XLK - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLI) is 6.25%, while State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) has a volatility of 12.51%. This indicates that XLI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLK based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLI	XLK	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.25%	12.51%	-6.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.67%	19.70%	-6.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.33%	23.48%	-7.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.55%	25.37%	-7.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.02%	24.71%	-4.69%

XLI vs. XLK - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XLI and XLK 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. XLK - Dividend Comparison

XLI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.16%, more than XLK's 0.43% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XLI Industrial Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.16%	1.29%	1.44%	1.63%	1.63%	1.25%	1.55%	1.94%	2.15%	1.77%	2.07%	2.15%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.43%	0.54%	0.66%	0.76%	1.04%	0.65%	0.92%	1.16%	1.60%	1.37%	1.74%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLI and XLK in my portfolio?

XLI and XLK have a correlation of 0.47, 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 XLK?

XLK has higher volatility (12.51%) compared to XLI (6.25%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLI dropped -62.26% vs XLK's -82.05%.

Which ETF is better, XLI or XLK?

On 10-year performance, XLK leads with 25.48% vs 14.55% for XLI. Both ETFs have the same 0.08% expense ratio. On volatility, XLI has been the lower-risk option at 6.25%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLI or XLK?

Over the 10-year period, XLK has performed better with a 25.48% return vs 14.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLI or XLK?

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

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

XLI has the higher dividend yield at 1.16%, compared with 0.43% for XLK.

What is the main difference between XLI and XLK?

XLI is categorized as Industrials Equities, while XLK is Technology Equities. XLI tracks Industrial Select Sector Index, while XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs 1.57), 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.