SPY vs XLCI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XLCI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 11.76% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 3 | |
| YTD Return | +13.47% | +0.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.57% | +4.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.88% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 10.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -8.4% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 29, 2025 |
SPY vs XLCI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLCI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +20.57% while XLCI returned +4.79%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.47% versus a gain of 0.82% for XLCI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.7% for XLCI. 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 -56.5% for SPY and -8.4% for XLCI. 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XLCI charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $35 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPY currently yields 1.01% against 11.76% for XLCI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XLCI share 0 holdings out of 505 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, SPY or XLCI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XLCI charges 0.35%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPY or XLCI?
Over the past year SPY returned +20.57% vs +4.79% for XLCI, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.83% vs +6.74% for XLCI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XLCI?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.7% for XLCI. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XLCI -8.4%.
Should I hold both SPY and XLCI?
SPY and XLCI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XLCI?
SPY and XLCI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XLCI?
SPY yields 1.01% while XLCI yields 11.76%, so XLCI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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