XLSI vs. GLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XLSI (Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) and GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - XLSI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by State Street, while GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM. XLSI is actively managed, while GLD is passively managed. At a 0.11 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XLSI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.40%/yr for GLD.

Performance

XLSI vs. GLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLSI) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLSI achieves a 1.78% return, which is significantly lower than GLD's 2.92% return.

XLSI

• 1D: 0.33%
• 1M: -1.28%
• YTD: 1.78%
• 6M: 1.76%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLD

• 1D: -0.99%
• 1M: -1.65%
• YTD: 2.92%
• 6M: 5.43%
• 1Y: 32.04%
• 3Y*: 31.09%
• 5Y*: 18.15%
• 10Y*: 13.12%

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

XLSI vs. GLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLSI Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	1.78%	-0.33%
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	2.92%	31.68%

Correlation

The correlation between XLSI and GLD is 0.11, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2025	0.11

XLSI vs. GLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLSI	GLD
Financial Services	100.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	100.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XLSI vs. GLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 32
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 28

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.

XLSI vs. GLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLSI) and SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XLSI	GLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.21	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	1.01	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.16	0.60	-0.44

Drawdowns

XLSI vs. GLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLSI drawdown since its inception was -7.87%, smaller than the maximum GLD drawdown of -45.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLSI and GLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLSI	GLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-45.56%	+37.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-19.21%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.21%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-21.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-22.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.43%	-17.75%	+11.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.21%	-16.16%	+12.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.73%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLSI	GLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.51%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	23.16%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.44%	26.61%	-16.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.44%	18.00%	-7.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.44%	15.95%	-5.51%

XLSI vs. GLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLSI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than GLD's 0.40% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLSI vs. GLD - Dividend Comparison

XLSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.76%, while GLD has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	0.00%	0.00%
XLSI Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	10.76%	5.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLSI and GLD in my portfolio?

XLSI and GLD have a correlation of 0.11, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XLSI or GLD?

On fees, XLSI is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLSI or GLD?

XLSI is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for GLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLSI or GLD?

XLSI has the higher dividend yield at 10.76%, compared with 0.00% for GLD.

What is the main difference between XLSI and GLD?

XLSI is categorized as Derivative Income, while GLD is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XLSI and 0.40% for GLD.