XLK vs XLV
State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
XLK delivered stronger 1-year returns. XLK offers more diversification with 77 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | XLK | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $124.4B | $43.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.45% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 77 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +26.25% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.55% | +30.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.74% | +11.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.10% | +7.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.0% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 1998 | Dec 16, 1998 |
XLK vs XLV Performance
State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year XLK returned +39.55% while XLV returned +30.95%. Year to date, XLK is up 26.25% versus a gain of 13.68% for XLV.
Over three years, XLK compounded at +29.74% per year against +11.32% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are +19.10% and +7.04% respectively. Across the full 28-year window we track, XLK has the edge at +9.34% annualized vs +7.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.2% compared with 14.2% for XLV. 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 -82.0% for XLK and -40.6% for XLV. 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
XLK charges 0.08% per year while XLV charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $8 annually. On income, XLK currently yields 0.45% against 1.56% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
XLK and XLV share 0 holdings out of 135 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, XLK or XLV?
XLK has an expense ratio of 0.08% while XLV charges 0.08%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, XLK or XLV?
Over the past year XLK returned +39.55% vs +30.95% for XLV, so XLK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (28 years), XLK annualized +9.34% vs +7.63% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, XLK or XLV?
XLK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 14.2% for XLV. Worst drawdown: XLK -82.0% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both XLK and XLV?
XLK and XLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between XLK and XLV?
XLK and XLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 135 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, XLK or XLV?
XLK yields 0.45% while XLV yields 1.56%, so XLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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