XLU vs. XLE
Compare and contrast key facts about Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) and Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE).
XLU and XLE are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. 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. XLE is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the Energy Select Sector Index. It was launched on Dec 16, 1998. Both XLU and XLE are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: XLU or XLE.
Key characteristics
| XLU | XLE | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 8.91% | 11.30% |
| 1Y Return | 3.17% | 22.61% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 4.18% | 27.22% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 6.61% | 12.96% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 8.37% | 3.73% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.23 | 1.14 |
| Daily Std Dev | 17.05% | 18.66% |
| Max Drawdown | -52.27% | -71.54% |
| Current Drawdown | -7.38% | -5.62% |
Correlation
The correlation between XLU and XLE is 0.37, 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.
Performance
XLU vs. XLE - Performance Comparison
In the year-to-date period, XLU achieves a 8.91% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 11.30% return. Over the past 10 years, XLU has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 8.37%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 3.73% annualized return. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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XLU vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison
Both XLU and XLE have an expense ratio of 0.13%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
XLU vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) and Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE). 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.
Dividends
XLU vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison
XLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.18%, which matches XLE's 3.15% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XLU Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund | 3.18% | 3.39% | 2.92% | 2.79% | 3.14% | 2.95% | 3.33% | 3.33% | 3.41% | 3.67% | 3.19% | 3.86% |
XLE Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund | 3.15% | 3.55% | 3.68% | 4.21% | 5.62% | 5.73% | 3.54% | 3.03% | 2.26% | 3.39% | 2.35% | 1.73% |
Drawdowns
XLU vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum XLU drawdown since its inception was -52.27%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.54%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLU and XLE. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
XLU vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) and Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) have volatilities of 4.55% and 4.68%, 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.