XLP vs. FSTA

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

XLP (State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF) and FSTA (Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF) are both Consumer Staples Equities funds - XLP tracks the Consumer Staples Select Sector Index while FSTA tracks the MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLP returned 7.17%/yr vs 7.56%/yr for FSTA. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

XLP vs. FSTA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) and Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLP achieves a 6.21% return, which is significantly higher than FSTA's 5.69% return. Over the past 10 years, XLP has underperformed FSTA with an annualized return of 7.17%, while FSTA has yielded a comparatively higher 7.56% annualized return.

XLP

• 1D: -0.15%
• 1M: -2.40%
• YTD: 6.21%
• 6M: 6.01%
• 1Y: 2.54%
• 3Y*: 6.67%
• 5Y*: 5.52%
• 10Y*: 7.17%

FSTA

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -3.83%
• YTD: 5.69%
• 6M: 4.82%
• 1Y: 1.51%
• 3Y*: 7.47%
• 5Y*: 5.95%
• 10Y*: 7.56%

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

XLP vs. FSTA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	6.21%	1.52%	12.20%	-0.82%	-0.81%	17.20%	10.11%	27.43%	-8.07%	12.98%
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	5.69%	1.82%	13.31%	2.29%	-1.72%	17.44%	10.96%	26.84%	-8.49%	12.71%

Correlation

The correlation between XLP and FSTA is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 25, 2013	0.98

The correlation between XLP and FSTA has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

XLP vs. FSTA - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLP	FSTA
Consumer Defensive	99.0%	97.3%
Consumer Cyclical	1.0%	1.8%
Basic Materials	-	0.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Industrials	-	0.3%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XLP vs. FSTA — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLP

XLP Risk / Return Rank: 12
XLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
XLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 12
XLP Omega Ratio Rank: 11
XLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
XLP Martin Ratio Rank: 12

FSTA

FSTA Risk / Return Rank: 11
FSTA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
FSTA Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
FSTA Omega Ratio Rank: 10
FSTA Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
FSTA Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

XLP vs. FSTA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) and Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA). 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.

	XLP	FSTA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.20	0.12	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.38	0.26	+0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.04	1.03	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.26	0.16	+0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.52	0.34	+0.18
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XLP vs. FSTA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLP Sharpe Ratio is 0.20, which is higher than the FSTA Sharpe Ratio of 0.12. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLP and FSTA, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XLP	FSTA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.20	0.12	+0.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	0.46	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49	0.52	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.43	0.61	-0.18

Drawdowns

XLP vs. FSTA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLP drawdown since its inception was -35.90%, which is greater than FSTA's maximum drawdown of -25.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLP and FSTA.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLP	FSTA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.90%	-25.13%	-10.77%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.69%	-9.29%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.39%	-11.76%	-0.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.30%	-16.58%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.51%	-25.13%	+0.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.34%	-8.64%	+0.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.06%	-3.55%	-3.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.94%	4.54%	+0.40%

Volatility

XLP vs. FSTA - Volatility Comparison

State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) and Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) have volatilities of 3.90% and 4.03%, 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

	XLP	FSTA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.90%	4.03%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.84%	9.76%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.66%	12.38%	+0.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.29%	13.11%	+0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.73%	14.55%	+0.18%

XLP vs. FSTA - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XLP and FSTA 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

XLP vs. FSTA - Dividend Comparison

XLP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.65%, more than FSTA's 2.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FSTA Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF	2.25%	2.34%	2.25%	2.66%	2.26%	2.15%	2.47%	2.46%	3.01%	2.42%	2.53%	2.86%
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.65%	2.75%	2.77%	2.63%	2.47%	2.28%	2.50%	2.57%	3.04%	2.62%	2.53%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLP and FSTA in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, XLP and FSTA 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, XLP or FSTA?

FSTA has higher volatility (4.03%) compared to XLP (3.90%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLP dropped -35.90% vs FSTA's -25.13%.

Which ETF is better, XLP or FSTA?

On 10-year performance, FSTA leads with 7.56% vs 7.17% for XLP. Both ETFs have the same 0.08% expense ratio. On volatility, XLP has been the lower-risk option at 3.90%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLP or FSTA?

Over the 10-year period, FSTA has performed better with a 7.56% return vs 7.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLP or FSTA?

XLP and FSTA have the same expense ratio: 0.08% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLP or FSTA?

XLP has the higher dividend yield at 2.65%, compared with 2.25% for FSTA.

What is the main difference between XLP and FSTA?

XLP tracks Consumer Staples Select Sector Index, while FSTA tracks MSCI USA IMI Consumer Staples Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Fidelity.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.20 vs 0.12), 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.