XLK vs. SBIO

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

XLK (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF) and SBIO (ALPS Medical Breakthroughs 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 SBIO is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the S-Network Medical Breakthroughs Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLK returned 23.89%/yr vs 10.96%/yr for SBIO. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XLK charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SBIO.

Performance

XLK vs. SBIO - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLK achieves a 22.34% return, which is significantly lower than SBIO's 24.17% return. Over the past 10 years, XLK has outperformed SBIO with an annualized return of 23.89%, while SBIO has yielded a comparatively lower 10.96% annualized return.

XLK

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: -8.11%
• 6M: 20.96%
• YTD: 22.34%
• 1Y: 35.41%
• 3Y*: 26.73%
• 5Y*: 19.16%
• 10Y*: 23.89%
• ALL TIME*: 10.23%

SBIO

• 1D: -2.45%
• 1M: 15.41%
• 6M: 24.53%
• YTD: 24.17%
• 1Y: 93.61%
• 3Y*: 27.21%
• 5Y*: 6.86%
• 10Y*: 10.96%
• ALL TIME*: 9.19%

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

XLK vs. SBIO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	22.34%	24.61%	21.63%	56.02%	-27.73%	34.74%	43.62%	49.86%	-1.68%	34.26%
SBIO ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF	24.17%	55.07%	3.81%	8.68%	-28.08%	-17.55%	21.17%	50.30%	-11.81%	45.67%

Correlation

The correlation between XLK and SBIO is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 31, 2014	0.48

The correlation between XLK and SBIO shifts across timeframes, from 0.33 (1 year) to 0.48 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLK vs. SBIO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLK	SBIO
Technology	99.1%	-
Communication Services	0.9%	-
Energy	0.2%	-
Industrials	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-0.0%
Healthcare	-	100.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XLK vs. SBIO — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLK

XLK Risk / Return Rank: 54
XLK Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
XLK Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
XLK Omega Ratio Rank: 52
XLK Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
XLK Martin Ratio Rank: 52

SBIO

SBIO Risk / Return Rank: 95
SBIO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
SBIO Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SBIO Omega Ratio Rank: 91
SBIO Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SBIO Martin Ratio Rank: 95

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. SBIO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) and ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (SBIO). 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	SBIO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	3.07	-1.62
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.93	3.87	-1.94
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.46	-0.21
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.23	7.44	-5.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.53	20.36	-13.82

XLK vs. SBIO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLK Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is lower than the SBIO Sharpe Ratio of 3.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLK and SBIO, 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. SBIO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLK drawdown since its inception was -82.05%, which is greater than SBIO's maximum drawdown of -63.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLK and SBIO.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLK	SBIO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.05%	-63.06%	-18.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.92%	-12.66%	-3.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.66%	-42.44%	+16.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.56%	-52.49%	+18.93%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.56%	-63.06%	+29.50%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.25%	-7.75%	-3.50%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-34.83%	-28.20%	-6.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.43%	4.61%	+0.82%

Volatility

XLK vs. SBIO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is 9.59%, while ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF (SBIO) has a volatility of 11.36%. This indicates that XLK experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SBIO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLK	SBIO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.59%	11.36%	-1.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.94%	24.09%	-3.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.61%	30.73%	-6.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.57%	33.90%	-8.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.81%	33.16%	-8.35%

XLK vs. SBIO - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLK has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than SBIO's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLK vs. SBIO - Dividend Comparison

XLK's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.45%, while SBIO has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SBIO ALPS Medical Breakthroughs ETF	0.00%	0.00%	3.55%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.04%	2.79%	1.77%	0.00%	0.00%
XLK State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF	0.45%	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 SBIO in my portfolio?

XLK and SBIO have a correlation of 0.33, 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 SBIO?

SBIO has higher volatility (11.36%) compared to XLK (9.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLK dropped -82.05% vs SBIO's -63.06%.

Which ETF is better, XLK or SBIO?

On 10-year performance, XLK leads with 23.89% vs 10.96% for SBIO. On fees, XLK is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLK has been the lower-risk option at 9.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLK or SBIO?

Over the 10-year period, XLK has performed better with a 23.89% return vs 10.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLK or SBIO?

XLK is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SBIO.

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

XLK has the higher dividend yield at 0.45%, compared with 0.00% for SBIO.

What is the main difference between XLK and SBIO?

XLK is categorized as Technology Equities, while SBIO is Health & Biotech Equities. XLK tracks S&P Technology Select Sector Daily Capped 35/20 Index, while SBIO tracks S-Network Medical Breakthroughs Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and SS&C. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLK and 0.50% for SBIO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SBIO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.07 vs 1.45), 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.