SPY vs XTL
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P Telecom ETF
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. XTL delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPY | XTL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $789.1B | $573M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 1.16% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 42 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +38.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.91% | +74.07% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.67% | +43.04% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +17.75% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 20.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -37.0% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 1993 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SPY vs XTL Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and State Street SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% while XTL returned +74.07%. Year to date, SPY is up 13.75% versus a gain of 38.34% for XTL.
Over three years, SPY compounded at +21.67% per year against +43.04% for XTL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +17.75% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XTL has the edge at +10.04% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -37.0% for XTL. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPY charges 0.09% per year while XTL 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 1.16% for XTL.
Holdings Overlap
SPY and XTL share 1 holdings out of 503 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPY | Weight in XTL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSCO | 0.69% | 3.02% | 2.33% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPY or XTL?
SPY has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XTL 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 XTL?
Over the past year SPY returned +22.91% vs +74.07% for XTL, so XTL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPY annualized +8.85% vs +10.04% for XTL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPY or XTL?
XTL has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SPY -56.5% vs XTL -37.0%.
Should I hold both SPY and XTL?
SPY and XTL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPY and XTL?
SPY and XTL share 1 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 503 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPY or XTL?
SPY yields 1.01% while XTL yields 1.16%, so XTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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