SPY vs XLEI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. XLEI delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XLEI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $57M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 18.44% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +27.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +39.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 29, 2025 |
SPY vs XLEI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLEI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while XLEI returned +39.14%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 27.89% for XLEI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.2% for XLEI. 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 -8.2% for XLEI. 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 -0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XLEI 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 18.44% for XLEI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XLEI 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 XLEI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XLEI 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 XLEI?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +39.14% for XLEI, so XLEI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +35.78% for XLEI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XLEI?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.2% for XLEI. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XLEI -8.2%.
Should I hold both SPY and XLEI?
SPY and XLEI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XLEI?
SPY and XLEI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XLEI?
SPY yields 1.01% while XLEI yields 18.44%, so XLEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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