XLSI vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XLSI (Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLSI is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by State Street, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. XLSI is actively managed, while XLU is passively managed. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XLSI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

XLSI vs. XLU - 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 State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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 XLU's 3.11% return.

XLSI

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

XLU

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: -5.74%
• YTD: 3.11%
• 6M: 1.25%
• 1Y: 9.11%
• 3Y*: 13.74%
• 5Y*: 9.25%
• 10Y*: 9.15%

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

XLSI vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLSI Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	1.78%	-0.33%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.11%	1.63%

Correlation

The correlation between XLSI and XLU is 0.32, 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	0.32

XLSI vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

XLSI vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 19
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 18
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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. XLU - 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 State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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	XLU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.63	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.16	0.40	-0.23

Drawdowns

XLSI vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLSI drawdown since its inception was -7.87%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLSI and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLSI	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.87%	-51.98%	+44.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-9.18%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.26%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.26%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.07%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.43%	-7.78%	+1.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.21%	-10.22%	+7.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.09%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLSI	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.41%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.53%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.44%	14.57%	-4.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.44%	17.32%	-6.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	10.44%	19.26%	-8.82%

XLSI vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLSI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLU's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLSI vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

XLSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.76%, more than XLU's 2.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XLSI Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	10.76%	5.34%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.72%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLSI and XLU in my portfolio?

XLSI and XLU have a correlation of 0.32, 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 XLU?

On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLSI or XLU?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XLSI.

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

XLSI has the higher dividend yield at 10.76%, compared with 2.72% for XLU.

What is the main difference between XLSI and XLU?

XLSI is categorized as Derivative Income, while XLU is Utilities Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XLSI and 0.08% for XLU.