XSD vs. XTL

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

XSD (SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF) and XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XSD is a Semiconductors fund tracking the S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index, while XTL is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XSD returned 30.26%/yr vs 16.27%/yr for XTL. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

XSD vs. XTL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) and SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XSD achieves a 88.46% return, which is significantly higher than XTL's 51.28% return. Over the past 10 years, XSD has outperformed XTL with an annualized return of 30.26%, while XTL has yielded a comparatively lower 16.27% annualized return.

XSD

• 1D: 1.37%
• 1M: 7.35%
• YTD: 88.46%
• 6M: 84.83%
• 1Y: 147.81%
• 3Y*: 40.43%
• 5Y*: 27.60%
• 10Y*: 30.26%

XTL

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 1.76%
• YTD: 51.28%
• 6M: 51.62%
• 1Y: 116.17%
• 3Y*: 46.01%
• 5Y*: 18.76%
• 10Y*: 16.27%

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

XSD vs. XTL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	88.46%	29.85%	10.75%	34.87%	-30.92%	42.54%	61.95%	64.66%	-6.35%	25.21%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	51.28%	44.95%	34.89%	-1.17%	-19.18%	21.58%	22.46%	12.51%	-6.60%	0.56%

Correlation

The correlation between XSD and XTL is 0.71, 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	0.71
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.71
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2011	0.69

The correlation between XSD and XTL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.71 - a consistent structural relationship.

XSD vs. XTL - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XSD	XTL
Technology	97.8%	61.4%
Energy	2.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	36.1%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	2.6%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XSD vs. XTL — Risk / Return Rank

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

XSD

XSD Risk / Return Rank: 94
XSD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
XSD Omega Ratio Rank: 91
XSD Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XSD Martin Ratio Rank: 95

XTL

XTL Risk / Return Rank: 95
XTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
XTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
XTL Omega Ratio Rank: 93
XTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
XTL Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

XSD vs. XTL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) and SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL). 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.

	XSD	XTL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.80	3.88	-0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.94	4.26	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.53	1.56	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.99	7.95	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	26.64	33.56	-6.92

XSD vs. XTL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XSD Sharpe Ratio is 3.80, which is comparable to the XTL Sharpe Ratio of 3.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XSD and XTL, 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

XSD vs. XTL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XSD drawdown since its inception was -64.56%, which is greater than XTL's maximum drawdown of -37.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XSD and XTL.

Drawdown Indicators

	XSD	XTL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.56%	-37.01%	-27.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.61%	-14.70%	-3.91%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.25%	-22.79%	-18.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-42.27%	-37.01%	-5.26%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.27%	-37.01%	-5.26%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.77%	-6.72%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.73%	-9.76%	-3.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.57%	3.48%	+2.09%

Volatility

XSD vs. XTL - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) has a higher volatility of 20.05% compared to SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) at 11.43%. This indicates that XSD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XTL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XSD	XTL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	20.05%	11.43%	+8.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.79%	24.28%	+7.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.14%	30.13%	+9.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	38.80%	25.34%	+13.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	35.26%	23.66%	+11.60%

XSD vs. XTL - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XSD and XTL have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

XSD vs. XTL - Dividend Comparison

XSD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.13%, less than XTL's 0.86% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XSD SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF	0.13%	0.26%	0.20%	0.31%	0.44%	0.10%	0.26%	0.51%	1.16%	0.59%	0.64%	0.58%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	0.86%	1.05%	0.62%	0.80%	0.74%	1.25%	0.88%	0.92%	1.90%	2.08%	1.11%	1.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XSD and XTL in my portfolio?

XSD and XTL have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XSD or XTL?

XSD has higher volatility (20.05%) compared to XTL (11.43%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XSD dropped -64.56% vs XTL's -37.01%.

Which ETF is better, XSD or XTL?

On 10-year performance, XSD leads with 30.26% vs 16.27% for XTL. Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. On volatility, XTL has been the lower-risk option at 11.43%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XSD or XTL?

Over the 10-year period, XSD has performed better with a 30.26% return vs 16.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XSD or XTL?

XSD and XTL have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XSD or XTL?

XTL has the higher dividend yield at 0.86%, compared with 0.13% for XSD.

What is the main difference between XSD and XTL?

XSD is categorized as Semiconductors, while XTL is Communications Equities. XSD tracks S&P Semiconductor Select Industry Index, while XTL tracks S&P Telecom Select Industry Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.88 vs 3.80), 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.