XTL vs. XLU

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XTL is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XTL returned 14.80%/yr vs 9.21%/yr for XLU. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XTL charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

XTL vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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 XLU's 8.54% return. Over the past 10 years, XTL has outperformed XLU with an annualized return of 14.80%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.21% 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%

XLU

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: 3.33%
• 6M: 8.82%
• YTD: 8.54%
• 1Y: 14.00%
• 3Y*: 14.39%
• 5Y*: 10.38%
• 10Y*: 9.21%

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

XTL vs. XLU - 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%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	8.54%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between XTL and XLU is 0.18, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.18
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2011	0.28

The correlation between XTL and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.18 (1 year) to 0.32 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XTL vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

XTL vs. XLU — 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

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 31
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.84	0.94	+1.90
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.38	1.35	+2.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.17	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.96	1.53	+4.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.07	3.20	+15.87

XTL vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XTL Sharpe Ratio is 2.84, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XTL and XLU, 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. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XTL drawdown since its inception was -37.01%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XTL and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XTL	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.01%	-51.98%	+14.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.70%	-9.18%	-5.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.79%	-17.26%	-5.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.85%	-25.26%	-11.59%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.01%	-36.07%	-0.94%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.31%	-2.92%	-9.39%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.77%	-10.20%	+0.43%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.59%	4.39%	+0.20%

Volatility

XTL vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) has a higher volatility of 9.29% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 4.40%. This indicates that XTL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XTL	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.29%	4.40%	+4.89%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.85%	11.81%	+12.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	30.87%	14.92%	+15.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.53%	17.35%	+8.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.68%	19.29%	+4.39%

XTL vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

XTL vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

XTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.23%, less than XLU's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.61%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%
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 XLU in my portfolio?

XTL and XLU have a correlation of 0.18, 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 XLU?

XTL has higher volatility (9.29%) compared to XLU (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XTL dropped -37.01% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, XTL or XLU?

On 10-year performance, XTL leads with 14.80% vs 9.21% for XLU. On fees, XLU is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XTL or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, XTL has performed better with a 14.80% return vs 9.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XTL or XLU?

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

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 1.23% for XTL.

What is the main difference between XTL and XLU?

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

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.84 vs 0.94), 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.