XTL vs. MUSQ

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) and MUSQ (MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF) are both Communications Equities funds - XTL tracks the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index while MUSQ tracks the MUSQ Global Music Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, XTL returned 42.98%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for MUSQ. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XTL charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.76%/yr for MUSQ.

Performance

XTL vs. MUSQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XTL achieves a 36.50% return, which is significantly higher than MUSQ's -9.48% return.

XTL

• 1D: -2.51%
• 1M: -6.97%
• 6M: 29.05%
• YTD: 36.50%
• 1Y: 76.86%
• 3Y*: 42.98%
• 5Y*: 17.56%
• 10Y*: 14.36%

MUSQ

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.16%
• 6M: -8.41%
• YTD: -9.48%
• 1Y: -10.46%
• 3Y*: 0.49%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XTL vs. MUSQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	36.50%	44.95%	34.89%	5.03%
MUSQ MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF	-9.48%	19.60%	-4.94%	0.81%

Correlation

The correlation between XTL and MUSQ is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 7, 2023	0.52

The correlation between XTL and MUSQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.44 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

XTL vs. MUSQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XTL	MUSQ
Technology	62.7%	14.1%
Communication Services	35.0%	70.0%
Real Estate	2.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	11.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.5%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XTL vs. MUSQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

XTL

XTL Risk / Return Rank: 88
XTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 91
XTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
XTL Omega Ratio Rank: 81
XTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
XTL Martin Ratio Rank: 90

MUSQ

MUSQ Risk / Return Rank: 5
MUSQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
MUSQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
MUSQ Omega Ratio Rank: 4
MUSQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
MUSQ Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

XTL vs. MUSQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) and MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF (MUSQ). 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.

	XTL	MUSQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.49	-0.60	+3.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.05	-0.76	+3.81
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	0.91	+0.47
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.88	-0.45	+5.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.96	-0.96	+16.92

XTL vs. MUSQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XTL Sharpe Ratio is 2.49, which is higher than the MUSQ Sharpe Ratio of -0.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XTL and MUSQ, 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

XTL vs. MUSQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XTL drawdown since its inception was -37.01%, which is greater than MUSQ's maximum drawdown of -23.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XTL and MUSQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	XTL	MUSQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.01%	-23.11%	-13.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.83%	-23.11%	+7.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.79%	-23.11%	+0.32%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.85%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.01%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-15.83%	-15.55%	-0.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.77%	-6.95%	-2.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.83%	10.94%	-6.11%

Volatility

XTL vs. MUSQ - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) has a higher volatility of 8.54% compared to MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF (MUSQ) at 4.85%. This indicates that XTL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than MUSQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XTL	MUSQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.54%	4.85%	+3.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.10%	14.18%	+9.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	31.01%	17.41%	+13.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.56%	17.88%	+7.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.69%	17.88%	+5.81%

XTL vs. MUSQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

XTL has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than MUSQ's 0.76% expense ratio.

Dividends

XTL vs. MUSQ - Dividend Comparison

XTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%, more than MUSQ's 0.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MUSQ MUSQ Global Music Industry Index ETF	0.70%	0.63%	1.08%	0.74%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	1.28%	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 XTL and MUSQ in my portfolio?

XTL and MUSQ have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XTL or MUSQ?

XTL has higher volatility (8.54%) compared to MUSQ (4.85%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XTL dropped -37.01% vs MUSQ's -23.11%.

Which ETF is better, XTL or MUSQ?

On 3-year performance, XTL leads with 42.98% vs 0.49% for MUSQ. On fees, XTL is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, MUSQ has been the lower-risk option at 4.85%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XTL or MUSQ?

Over the 3-year period, XTL has performed better with a 42.98% return vs 0.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XTL or MUSQ?

XTL is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.76% for MUSQ.

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

XTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.28%, compared with 0.70% for MUSQ.

What is the main difference between XTL and MUSQ?

XTL tracks S&P Telecom Select Industry Index, while MUSQ tracks MUSQ Global Music Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Exchange Traded Concepts. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XTL and 0.76% for MUSQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.49 vs -0.60), 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.