ETF Versus

JNK vs XLF

State Street SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF vs State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

JNK State Street

State Street SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF (JNK) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to below-investment-grade U.S. corporate bonds offering higher yields. It charges an above-average expense ratio of 0.40%. The fund offers a high dividend yield of 6.66%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.40% Yield: 6.66% Since: 2007-12-04
XLF State Street

State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to us sector - financials securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.60%. Launched in 1998, the fund has a 28-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.09% Yield: 1.60% Since: 1998-12-22

Quick Verdict

XLF is significantly cheaper at 0.09% vs 0.40% expense ratio, saving you approximately $607 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. JNK has edged ahead over the past year (0.6% vs -1.3%). Income investors may prefer JNK for its higher yield (6.7% vs 1.6%).

Key Metrics

Metric JNK XLF
Expense Ratio 0.40% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 6.7% 1.6%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US High Yield Bond US Sector - Financials

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

80 97 114 131 148 165 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
JNK -12.0%
XLF +42.5%

Performance Comparison

Period JNK XLF Difference
1 Month -0.76% -3.34% +2.58%
3 Months -1.55% -9.89% +8.34%
6 Months -1.81% -7.82% +6.01%
YTD -1.55% -9.89% +8.34%
1 Year +0.56% -1.32% +1.88%
3 Years +3.73% +53.68% -49.95%
5 Years -11.96% +42.49% -54.45%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period JNK Fees XLF Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $786 $179 $607
$10,000 20 years $3,334 $771 $2,563
$10,000 30 years $10,601 $2,486 $8,115
$50,000 10 years $3,932 $896 $3,036
$50,000 30 years $53,003 $12,428 $40,575
$100,000 30 years $106,005 $24,855 $81,150

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric JNK XLF
Annualized Volatility 7.7% 18.7%
Max Drawdown -20.6% -26.9%
Sharpe Ratio -0.88 0.23

Dividend Comparison

Metric JNK XLF
Annual Dividend (per share) $6.37 $0.79
Dividend Yield 6.66% 1.60%
Distribution Frequency Monthly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose XLF if...

you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.

Choose JNK if...

you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.

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