JNK vs XLU
State Street SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF vs State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF
Last updated: 2026-04-02
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.
State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to us sector - utilities securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.57%. Launched in 1998, the fund has a 28-year track record.
Quick Verdict
XLU is significantly cheaper at 0.09% vs 0.40% expense ratio, saving you approximately $607 per $10,000 invested over 10 years. Over the past year, XLU has significantly outperformed with a 16.7% return vs 0.6%. Income investors may prefer JNK for its higher yield (6.7% vs 2.6%).
Key Metrics
Performance Chart
Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)
Performance Comparison
Fee Impact Over Time
Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns
Risk Metrics
Based on 5 years of daily returns
Dividend Comparison
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose XLU if...
you want the lowest fees and plan to buy and hold long-term. Over decades, the expense ratio difference compounds significantly.
Choose XLU if...
recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
Choose JNK if...
you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.