XLU vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index, while XLC is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XLU returned 9.41%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for XLC. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XLU charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

XLU vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLU achieves a 5.04% return, which is significantly higher than XLC's -4.85% return.

XLU

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -0.31%
• YTD: 5.04%
• 6M: 5.48%
• 1Y: 11.85%
• 3Y*: 13.79%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 9.20%

XLC

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -4.38%
• YTD: -4.85%
• 6M: -3.59%
• 1Y: 9.07%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

XLU vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	5.04%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	8.35%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.85%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-16.45%

Correlation

The correlation between XLU and XLC is 0.14, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.14
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2018	0.28

The correlation between XLU and XLC shifts across timeframes, from 0.14 (1 year) to 0.28 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLU vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLU	XLC
Utilities	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	95.1%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	4.7%

Return for Risk

XLU vs. XLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 26
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 20
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

XLU vs. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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.

	XLU	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	0.69	+0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.18	1.08	+0.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.12	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	0.86	+0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.80	2.73	+0.07

XLU vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLU Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is comparable to the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLU and XLC, 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

XLU vs. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLU drawdown since its inception was -51.98%, which is greater than XLC's maximum drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLU and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLU	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.98%	-46.65%	-5.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.18%	-10.57%	+1.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.26%	-17.97%	+0.71%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.26%	-46.65%	+21.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.05%	-6.72%	+0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.22%	-10.58%	+0.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.25%	3.33%	+0.92%

Volatility

XLU vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a higher volatility of 5.59% compared to Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) at 3.57%. This indicates that XLU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLU	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.59%	3.57%	+2.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.68%	9.65%	+2.03%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.66%	13.28%	+1.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.34%	20.68%	-3.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.27%	22.17%	-2.90%

XLU vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLU has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

XLU vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

XLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, more than XLC's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.25%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.67%	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 XLU and XLC in my portfolio?

XLU and XLC have a correlation of 0.14, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLU or XLC?

XLU has higher volatility (5.59%) compared to XLC (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLU dropped -51.98% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, XLU or XLC?

On 5-year performance, XLU leads with 9.41% vs 8.03% for XLC. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLC has been the lower-risk option at 3.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLU or XLC?

Over the 5-year period, XLU has performed better with a 9.41% return vs 8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLU or XLC?

XLU is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for XLC.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 1.25% for XLC.

What is the main difference between XLU and XLC?

XLU is categorized as Utilities Equities, while XLC is Communications Equities. XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLU and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.81 vs 0.69), 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.