XLK vs. MSTY

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) and MSTY (YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLK is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index, while MSTY is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by YieldMax. XLK is passively managed, while MSTY is actively managed. Over the past year, XLK returned 52.47% vs -66.58% for MSTY. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XLK charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.99%/yr for MSTY.

Performance

XLK vs. MSTY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) and YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLK achieves a 28.25% return, which is significantly higher than MSTY's -27.80% return.

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%

MSTY

• 1D: -4.55%
• 1M: -31.74%
• YTD: -27.80%
• 6M: -29.80%
• 1Y: -66.58%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XLK vs. MSTY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	28.25%	24.61%	17.50%
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	-27.80%	-42.71%	212.16%

Correlation

The correlation between XLK and MSTY is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 22, 2024	0.44

Return for Risk

XLK vs. MSTY — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

MSTY

MSTY Risk / Return Rank: 1
MSTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Omega Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
MSTY Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

XLK vs. MSTY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) and YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY). 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.

	XLK	MSTY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.25	-1.08	+3.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.77	-1.96	+4.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	0.79	+0.59
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.31	-0.93	+4.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.56	-1.35	+11.91

XLK vs. MSTY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLK Sharpe Ratio is 2.25, which is higher than the MSTY Sharpe Ratio of -1.08. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLK and MSTY, 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

XLK vs. MSTY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLK drawdown since its inception was -82.05%, which is greater than MSTY's maximum drawdown of -71.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLK and MSTY.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLK	MSTY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.05%	-71.79%	-10.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.92%	-71.79%	+55.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.66%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.56%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.96%	-71.62%	+64.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.90%	-26.97%	-7.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.98%	49.36%	-44.38%

Volatility

XLK vs. MSTY - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is 12.51%, while YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (MSTY) has a volatility of 19.32%. This indicates that XLK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than MSTY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLK	MSTY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	12.51%	19.32%	-6.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.70%	49.66%	-29.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.48%	62.02%	-38.54%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.37%	71.82%	-46.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.71%	71.82%	-47.11%

XLK vs. MSTY - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLK has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than MSTY's 0.99% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLK vs. MSTY - Dividend Comparison

XLK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%, less than MSTY's 286.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MSTY YieldMax™ MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	286.06%	294.61%	104.56%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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 XLK and MSTY in my portfolio?

XLK and MSTY have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLK or MSTY?

MSTY has higher volatility (19.32%) compared to XLK (12.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLK dropped -82.05% vs MSTY's -71.79%.

Which ETF is better, XLK or MSTY?

On 1-year performance, XLK leads with 52.47% vs -66.58% for MSTY. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLK has been the lower-risk option at 12.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLK or MSTY?

Over the 1-year period, XLK has performed better with a 52.47% return vs -66.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLK or MSTY?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.99% for MSTY.

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

MSTY has the higher dividend yield at 286.06%, compared with 0.43% for XLK.

What is the main difference between XLK and MSTY?

XLK is categorized as Technology Equities, while MSTY is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: State Street and YieldMax. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLK and 0.99% for MSTY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLK currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.25 vs -1.08), 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.