XTL vs. XLE

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XTL is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XTL returned 14.80%/yr vs 9.42%/yr for XLE. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XTL charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

XTL vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XTL achieves a 42.21% return, which is significantly higher than XLE's 28.66% return. Over the past 10 years, XTL has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 14.80%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.42% annualized return.

XTL

• 1D: -1.93%
• 1M: -5.99%
• 6M: 37.00%
• YTD: 42.21%
• 1Y: 87.18%
• 3Y*: 44.28%
• 5Y*: 18.06%
• 10Y*: 14.80%

XLE

• 1D: 3.01%
• 1M: -0.70%
• 6M: 24.13%
• YTD: 28.66%
• 1Y: 31.29%
• 3Y*: 15.32%
• 5Y*: 21.79%
• 10Y*: 9.42%

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

XTL vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	42.21%	44.95%	34.89%	-1.17%	-19.18%	21.58%	22.46%	12.51%	-6.60%	0.56%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	28.66%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between XTL and XLE is 0.04, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.04
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.19
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2011	0.43

Over the past year, the correlation between XTL and XLE has dropped to 0.04 - well below their long-term average of 0.43, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

XTL vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XTL	XLE
Technology	62.7%	-
Communication Services	35.0%	-
Real Estate	2.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	100.0%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XTL vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

XTL

XTL Risk / Return Rank: 92
XTL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
XTL Sortino Ratio Rank: 90
XTL Omega Ratio Rank: 88
XTL Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
XTL Martin Ratio Rank: 93

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 50
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 48
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (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.

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	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.84	1.50	+1.35
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.38	2.03	+1.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.25	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.96	2.10	+3.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.07	5.70	+13.36

XTL vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XTL Sharpe Ratio is 2.84, which is higher than the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XTL and XLE, 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. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XTL drawdown since its inception was -37.01%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XTL and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	XTL	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.01%	-71.26%	+34.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.70%	-14.98%	+0.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.79%	-20.14%	-2.65%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.85%	-26.04%	-10.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.01%	-66.81%	+29.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.31%	-8.65%	-3.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.77%	-17.95%	+8.18%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.59%	5.53%	-0.94%

Volatility

XTL vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) has a higher volatility of 9.29% compared to State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) at 7.32%. This indicates that XTL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XTL	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.29%	7.32%	+1.97%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.85%	16.68%	+7.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.87%	21.06%	+9.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.53%	25.95%	-0.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.68%	29.58%	-5.90%

XTL vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

XTL has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

XTL vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

XTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.23%, less than XLE's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.67%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF	1.23%	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 XLE in my portfolio?

XTL and XLE have a correlation of 0.04, 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 XLE?

XTL has higher volatility (9.29%) compared to XLE (7.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XTL dropped -37.01% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, XTL or XLE?

On 10-year performance, XTL leads with 14.80% vs 9.42% for XLE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLE has been the lower-risk option at 7.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XTL or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, XTL has performed better with a 14.80% return vs 9.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XTL or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XTL.

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

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 1.23% for XTL.

What is the main difference between XTL and XLE?

XTL is categorized as Communications Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. XTL tracks S&P Telecom Select Industry Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XTL and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.84 vs 1.50), 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.