SPY vs XLSI
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street Consumer Staples 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 | XLSI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $821.1B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 11.92% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 4 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +8.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +5.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 10.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -7.9% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jul 29, 2025 |
SPY vs XLSI Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLSI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% while XLSI returned +5.52%. Year to date, SPY is up 12.68% versus a gain of 8.25% for XLSI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 10.4% for XLSI. 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 -7.9% for XLSI. 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XLSI 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 11.92% for XLSI.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XLSI 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 XLSI?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XLSI 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 XLSI?
Over the past year SPY returned +21.82% vs +5.52% for XLSI, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPY annualized +8.81% vs +7.21% for XLSI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XLSI?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 10.4% for XLSI. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XLSI -7.9%.
Should I hold both SPY and XLSI?
SPY and XLSI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XLSI?
SPY and XLSI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XLSI?
SPY yields 1.01% while XLSI yields 11.92%, so XLSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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