SPDW vs XLE
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
SPDW has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPDW offers more diversification with 2348 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDW | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $40.0B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.02% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 2,440 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | +17.66% | +35.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.00% | +47.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.29% | +14.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.83% | +24.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.2% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2007 | Dec 16, 1998 |
SPDW vs XLE Performance
State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year SPDW returned +29.00% while XLE returned +47.04%. Year to date, SPDW is up 17.66% versus a gain of 35.60% for XLE.
Over three years, SPDW compounded at +20.29% per year against +14.53% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +9.83% and +24.28% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, XLE has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs +3.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.1% compared with 17.6% for SPDW. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -62.2% for SPDW and -76.7% for XLE. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDW charges 0.03% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $8 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDW currently yields 3.02% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
SPDW and XLE share 0 holdings out of 2370 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDW or XLE?
SPDW has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLE charges 0.08%. SPDW is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDW or XLE?
Over the past year SPDW returned +29.00% vs +47.04% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SPDW annualized +3.21% vs +6.96% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDW or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 17.6% for SPDW. Worst drawdown: SPDW -62.2% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both SPDW and XLE?
SPDW and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDW and XLE?
SPDW and XLE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2370 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDW or XLE?
SPDW yields 3.02% while XLE yields 2.85%, so SPDW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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