XLE vs XLF
State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF vs State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. XLF offers more diversification with 77 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | XLE | XLF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $38.1B | $56.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.85% | 1.51% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 80 | |
| YTD Return | +35.60% | +6.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +47.04% | +12.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.53% | +20.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +24.28% | +10.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.1% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.7% | -83.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 1998 | Dec 16, 1998 |
XLE vs XLF Performance
State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year XLE returned +47.04% while XLF returned +12.14%. Year to date, XLE is up 35.60% versus a gain of 6.98% for XLF.
Over three years, XLE compounded at +14.53% per year against +20.59% for XLF; over five years the annualized figures are +24.28% and +10.49% respectively. Across the full 28-year window we track, XLE has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs +3.73%. 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 21.4% for XLF. 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 -76.7% for XLE and -83.8% for XLF. 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
XLE charges 0.08% per year while XLF charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $8 annually. On income, XLE currently yields 2.85% against 1.51% for XLF.
Holdings Overlap
XLE and XLF share 1 holdings out of 98 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in XLE | Weight in XLF | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NMF | 0.14% | 0.10% | 0.04% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, XLE or XLF?
XLE has an expense ratio of 0.08% while XLF charges 0.08%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, XLE or XLF?
Over the past year XLE returned +47.04% vs +12.14% for XLF, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (28 years), XLE annualized +6.96% vs +3.73% for XLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, XLE or XLF?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 21.4% for XLF. Worst drawdown: XLE -76.7% vs XLF -83.8%.
Should I hold both XLE and XLF?
XLE and XLF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between XLE and XLF?
XLE and XLF share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 98 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, XLE or XLF?
XLE yields 2.85% while XLF yields 1.51%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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