XSW vs. SPAM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XSW (SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF) and SPAM (Themes Cybersecurity ETF) are both Technology Equities funds - XSW tracks the S&P Software & Services Select Industry Index while SPAM tracks the Solactive Cyber Security Index - Benchmark TR Net. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, XSW returned -4.24% vs 30.91% for SPAM. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

XSW vs. SPAM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (XSW) and Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XSW achieves a -6.38% return, which is significantly lower than SPAM's 33.77% return.

XSW

• 1D: -4.18%
• 1M: 9.35%
• YTD: -6.38%
• 6M: -7.49%
• 1Y: -4.24%
• 3Y*: 11.02%
• 5Y*: 1.69%
• 10Y*: 13.33%

SPAM

• 1D: -2.70%
• 1M: 24.26%
• YTD: 33.77%
• 6M: 25.92%
• 1Y: 30.91%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XSW vs. SPAM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
XSW SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF	-6.38%	-0.90%	25.81%	6.00%
SPAM Themes Cybersecurity ETF	33.77%	4.86%	10.58%	5.42%

Correlation

The correlation between XSW and SPAM is 0.82, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2023	0.83

The correlation between XSW and SPAM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.82 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

XSW vs. SPAM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XSW	SPAM
Technology	86.5%	88.9%
Financial Services	8.1%	0.1%
Communication Services	2.9%	6.7%
Consumer Cyclical	1.0%	-
Industrials	0.8%	4.0%
Healthcare	0.7%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	0.5%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XSW vs. SPAM — Risk / Return Rank

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

XSW

XSW Risk / Return Rank: 7
XSW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
XSW Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
XSW Omega Ratio Rank: 7
XSW Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
XSW Martin Ratio Rank: 7

SPAM

SPAM Risk / Return Rank: 28
SPAM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
SPAM Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
SPAM Omega Ratio Rank: 30
SPAM Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
SPAM Martin Ratio Rank: 23

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.

XSW vs. SPAM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (XSW) and Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM). 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.

	XSW	SPAM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	-0.15	1.15	-1.30
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	-0.01	1.64	-1.66
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.00	1.21	-0.21
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.13	1.29	-1.42
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	-0.27	2.90	-3.17
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

XSW vs. SPAM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XSW Sharpe Ratio is -0.15, which is lower than the SPAM Sharpe Ratio of 1.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XSW and SPAM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XSW	SPAM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.15	1.15	-1.30
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.06	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.63	0.89	-0.27

Drawdowns

XSW vs. SPAM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XSW drawdown since its inception was -45.38%, which is greater than SPAM's maximum drawdown of -24.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XSW and SPAM.

Drawdown Indicators

	XSW	SPAM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.38%	-24.02%	-21.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.75%	-24.02%	-9.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.75%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.38%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.38%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.64%	-3.90%	-10.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.83%	-6.53%	-3.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.71%	10.69%	+5.02%

Volatility

XSW vs. SPAM - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (XSW) and Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) have volatilities of 10.68% and 10.67%, 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.

Volatility by Period

	XSW	SPAM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.68%	10.67%	+0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.51%	22.35%	+1.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.63%	27.01%	+1.62%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.79%	24.72%	+4.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.25%	24.72%	+1.53%

XSW vs. SPAM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XSW and SPAM have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

XSW vs. SPAM - Dividend Comparison

XSW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.04%, less than SPAM's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPAM Themes Cybersecurity ETF	0.37%	0.49%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XSW SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF	0.04%	0.06%	0.07%	0.20%	0.09%	0.13%	0.26%	0.12%	0.31%	0.46%	0.87%	0.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XSW and SPAM in my portfolio?

XSW and SPAM have a correlation of 0.82, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XSW or SPAM?

XSW has higher volatility (10.68%) compared to SPAM (10.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XSW dropped -45.38% vs SPAM's -24.02%.

Which ETF is better, XSW or SPAM?

On 1-year performance, SPAM leads with 30.91% vs -4.24% for XSW. Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XSW or SPAM?

Over the 1-year period, SPAM has performed better with a 30.91% return vs -4.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XSW or SPAM?

XSW and SPAM have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XSW or SPAM?

SPAM has the higher dividend yield at 0.37%, compared with 0.04% for XSW.

What is the main difference between XSW and SPAM?

XSW tracks S&P Software & Services Select Industry Index, while SPAM tracks Solactive Cyber Security Index - Benchmark TR Net. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Themes.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPAM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.15 vs -0.15), 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.