XME vs. SLX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

XME (SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF) and SLX (VanEck Vectors Steel ETF) are both Materials funds - XME tracks the S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index while SLX tracks the NYSE Arca Steel Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XME returned 15.22%/yr vs 16.28%/yr for SLX. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XME charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.56%/yr for SLX.

Performance

XME vs. SLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XME achieves a -1.34% return, which is significantly lower than SLX's 17.03% return. Over the past 10 years, XME has underperformed SLX with an annualized return of 15.22%, while SLX has yielded a comparatively higher 16.28% annualized return.

XME

• 1D: -1.54%
• 1M: -15.18%
• 6M: -15.17%
• YTD: -1.34%
• 1Y: 40.11%
• 3Y*: 26.30%
• 5Y*: 20.24%
• 10Y*: 15.22%

SLX

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: -10.41%
• 6M: 12.30%
• YTD: 17.03%
• 1Y: 41.32%
• 3Y*: 17.18%
• 5Y*: 14.25%
• 10Y*: 16.28%

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

XME vs. SLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XME SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF	-1.34%	83.47%	-4.54%	21.51%	13.13%	34.92%	15.95%	14.69%	-26.78%	21.17%
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	17.03%	47.45%	-17.94%	31.25%	14.28%	27.69%	20.57%	12.01%	-19.27%	24.59%

Correlation

The correlation between XME and SLX is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 17, 2006	0.88

The correlation between XME and SLX shifts across timeframes, from 0.74 (1 year) to 0.88 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XME vs. SLX - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XME	SLX
Basic Materials	74.8%	93.2%
Energy	24.1%	3.5%
Technology	2.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.6%	-
Industrials	0.5%	3.3%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XME vs. SLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

XME

XME Risk / Return Rank: 38
XME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
XME Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
XME Omega Ratio Rank: 37
XME Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
XME Martin Ratio Rank: 33

SLX

SLX Risk / Return Rank: 60
SLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
SLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
SLX Omega Ratio Rank: 58
SLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
SLX Martin Ratio Rank: 54

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.

XME vs. SLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) and VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX). 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.

	XME	SLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.12	1.66	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.61	2.30	-0.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.28	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.74	2.54	-0.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.87	7.31	-3.44

XME vs. SLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XME Sharpe Ratio is 1.12, which is lower than the SLX Sharpe Ratio of 1.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XME and SLX, 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

XME vs. SLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XME drawdown since its inception was -85.89%, roughly equal to the maximum SLX drawdown of -82.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XME and SLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	XME	SLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-85.89%	-82.14%	-3.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-23.20%	-16.35%	-6.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.47%	-27.39%	-3.08%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-37.27%	-33.62%	-3.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-61.69%	-61.64%	-0.05%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-23.09%	-12.56%	-10.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-43.99%	-38.56%	-5.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.39%	5.68%	+4.71%

Volatility

XME vs. SLX - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) has a higher volatility of 9.43% compared to VanEck Vectors Steel ETF (SLX) at 8.37%. This indicates that XME's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XME	SLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.43%	8.37%	+1.06%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	28.05%	19.56%	+8.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	36.18%	25.04%	+11.14%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.71%	27.76%	+4.95%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.84%	30.78%	+2.06%

XME vs. SLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

XME has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than SLX's 0.56% expense ratio.

Dividends

XME vs. SLX - Dividend Comparison

XME's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than SLX's 1.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SLX VanEck Vectors Steel ETF	1.32%	1.55%	3.56%	2.80%	4.97%	7.07%	1.87%	3.44%	6.26%	2.50%	1.06%	5.35%
XME SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF	0.36%	0.38%	0.65%	1.00%	1.64%	0.70%	0.99%	2.43%	2.23%	1.15%	1.02%	2.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XME and SLX in my portfolio?

XME and SLX have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XME or SLX?

XME has higher volatility (9.43%) compared to SLX (8.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XME dropped -85.89% vs SLX's -82.14%.

Which ETF is better, XME or SLX?

On 10-year performance, SLX leads with 16.28% vs 15.22% for XME. On fees, XME is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, SLX has been the lower-risk option at 8.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XME or SLX?

Over the 10-year period, SLX has performed better with a 16.28% return vs 15.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XME or SLX?

XME is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.56% for SLX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XME or SLX?

SLX has the higher dividend yield at 1.32%, compared with 0.36% for XME.

What is the main difference between XME and SLX?

XME tracks S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index, while SLX tracks NYSE Arca Steel Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XME and 0.56% for SLX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.66 vs 1.12), 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.