XLU vs. GD
Compare and contrast key facts about Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) and General Dynamics Corporation (GD).
XLU is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the Utilities Select Sector Index. It was launched on Dec 16, 1998.
Performance
XLU vs. GD - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
XLU vs. GD - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XLU Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund | 8.25% | 16.03% | 23.31% | -7.18% | 1.44% | 17.70% | 0.51% | 25.93% | 3.94% | 12.05% |
GD General Dynamics Corporation | 2.37% | 30.39% | 3.52% | 7.13% | 21.69% | 43.77% | -13.14% | 14.80% | -21.34% | 19.85% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, XLU achieves a 8.25% return, which is significantly higher than GD's 2.37% return. Over the past 10 years, XLU has underperformed GD with an annualized return of 9.74%, while GD has yielded a comparatively higher 12.44% annualized return.
XLU
- 1D
- -0.07%
- 1M
- -3.18%
- YTD
- 8.25%
- 6M
- 6.77%
- 1Y
- 19.71%
- 3Y*
- 14.12%
- 5Y*
- 10.80%
- 10Y*
- 9.74%
GD
- 1D
- 0.71%
- 1M
- -3.87%
- YTD
- 2.37%
- 6M
- 1.51%
- 1Y
- 28.35%
- 3Y*
- 16.98%
- 5Y*
- 16.17%
- 10Y*
- 12.44%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
XLU vs. GD — Risk / Return Rank
XLU
GD
XLU vs. GD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) and General Dynamics Corporation (GD). 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.
| XLU | GD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 1.25 | 1.30 | -0.05 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 1.71 | 1.91 | -0.20 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.26 | -0.03 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 2.29 | 2.92 | -0.63 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.51 | 10.36 | -4.84 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| XLU | GD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 1.25 | 1.30 | -0.05 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.63 | 0.81 | -0.18 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.51 | 0.55 | -0.05 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.41 | 0.57 | -0.16 |
Correlation
The correlation between XLU and GD is 0.35, which is considered to be low. This implies their price changes are not closely related. A low correlation is generally favorable for portfolio diversification, as it helps to reduce overall risk by spreading it across multiple assets with different performance patterns.
Dividends
XLU vs. GD - Dividend Comparison
XLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.59%, more than GD's 1.75% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XLU Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund | 2.59% | 2.71% | 2.96% | 3.39% | 2.92% | 2.79% | 3.14% | 2.95% | 3.33% | 3.33% | 3.41% | 3.67% |
GD General Dynamics Corporation | 1.75% | 1.76% | 2.12% | 2.01% | 2.00% | 2.24% | 2.90% | 2.26% | 2.31% | 1.61% | 1.72% | 1.96% |
Drawdowns
XLU vs. GD - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum XLU drawdown since its inception was -51.98%, smaller than the maximum GD drawdown of -75.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLU and GD.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| XLU | GD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -51.98% | -75.67% | +23.69% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -9.18% | -10.27% | +1.09% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -25.26% | -22.55% | -2.71% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -36.07% | -51.63% | +15.56% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -3.18% | -6.58% | +3.40% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -10.26% | -15.64% | +5.38% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.82% | 2.90% | +0.92% |
Volatility
XLU vs. GD - Volatility Comparison
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) and General Dynamics Corporation (GD) have volatilities of 5.09% and 4.98%, 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.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| XLU | GD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 5.09% | 4.98% | +0.11% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.35% | 15.16% | -4.81% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 15.82% | 21.87% | -6.05% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 17.18% | 20.00% | -2.82% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 19.21% | 22.51% | -3.30% |