XLP vs. XRT

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

XLP (State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF) and XRT (SPDR S&P Retail ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLP is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the Consumer Staples Select Sector Index, while XRT is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund tracking the S&P Retail Select Industry. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLP returned 7.60%/yr vs 9.52%/yr for XRT. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLP charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XRT.

Performance

XLP vs. XRT - 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 SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLP achieves a 11.10% return, which is significantly higher than XRT's 3.14% return. Over the past 10 years, XLP has underperformed XRT with an annualized return of 7.60%, while XRT has yielded a comparatively higher 9.52% annualized return.

XLP

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 0.99%
• YTD: 11.10%
• 6M: 9.54%
• 1Y: 8.93%
• 3Y*: 8.26%
• 5Y*: 6.65%
• 10Y*: 7.60%

XRT

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 9.14%
• YTD: 3.14%
• 6M: 0.29%
• 1Y: 17.43%
• 3Y*: 12.80%
• 5Y*: -0.36%
• 10Y*: 9.52%

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

XLP vs. XRT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	11.10%	1.52%	12.20%	-0.82%	-0.81%	17.20%	10.11%	27.43%	-8.07%	12.98%
XRT SPDR S&P Retail ETF	3.14%	8.07%	11.78%	21.53%	-31.64%	42.60%	41.91%	14.12%	-8.04%	4.22%

Correlation

The correlation between XLP and XRT is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.38
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.41
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2006	0.50

The correlation between XLP and XRT shifts across timeframes, from 0.35 (1 year) to 0.50 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLP vs. XRT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLP	XRT
Consumer Defensive	99.0%	19.2%
Consumer Cyclical	1.0%	76.5%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	1.5%
Energy	-	1.3%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	1.3%
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	1.4%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XLP vs. XRT — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLP

XLP Risk / Return Rank: 19
XLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
XLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
XLP Omega Ratio Rank: 18
XLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
XLP Martin Ratio Rank: 17

XRT

XRT Risk / Return Rank: 23
XRT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
XRT Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XRT Omega Ratio Rank: 22
XRT Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
XRT Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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. XRT - 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 SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT). 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.

	XLP	XRT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.59	0.72	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.94	1.19	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.11	1.13	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.79	1.09	-0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.52	2.48	-0.96

XLP vs. XRT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLP Sharpe Ratio is 0.59, which is comparable to the XRT Sharpe Ratio of 0.72. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLP and XRT, 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

XLP vs. XRT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLP drawdown since its inception was -35.90%, smaller than the maximum XRT drawdown of -65.81%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLP and XRT.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLP	XRT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.90%	-65.81%	+29.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.69%	-13.53%	+3.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.39%	-25.62%	+13.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.30%	-44.57%	+28.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.51%	-47.02%	+22.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.12%	-9.32%	+5.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.06%	-14.99%	+7.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.01%	5.92%	-0.91%

Volatility

XLP vs. XRT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) is 4.53%, while SPDR S&P Retail ETF (XRT) has a volatility of 5.73%. This indicates that XLP experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XRT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLP	XRT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.53%	5.73%	-1.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.14%	13.90%	-3.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.90%	20.59%	-7.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.34%	26.91%	-13.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.75%	27.17%	-12.42%

XLP vs. XRT - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLP has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than XRT's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLP vs. XRT - Dividend Comparison

XLP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.53%, more than XRT's 0.79% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.53%	2.75%	2.77%	2.63%	2.47%	2.28%	2.50%	2.57%	3.04%	2.62%	2.53%	2.52%
XRT SPDR S&P Retail ETF	0.79%	0.77%	1.52%	1.40%	2.15%	1.55%	1.01%	1.57%	1.51%	1.52%	1.36%	1.30%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLP and XRT in my portfolio?

XLP and XRT have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLP or XRT?

XRT has higher volatility (5.73%) compared to XLP (4.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLP dropped -35.90% vs XRT's -65.81%.

Which ETF is better, XLP or XRT?

On 10-year performance, XRT leads with 9.52% vs 7.60% for XLP. On fees, XLP is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLP has been the lower-risk option at 4.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLP or XRT?

Over the 10-year period, XRT has performed better with a 9.52% return vs 7.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLP or XRT?

XLP is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XRT.

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

XLP has the higher dividend yield at 2.53%, compared with 0.79% for XRT.

What is the main difference between XLP and XRT?

XLP is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while XRT is Consumer Discretionary Equities. XLP tracks Consumer Staples Select Sector Index, while XRT tracks S&P Retail Select Industry. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLP and 0.35% for XRT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XRT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.72 vs 0.59), 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.