ETF Versus

SPDW vs XLE

State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

SPDW State Street

State Street SPDR Portfolio Developed World ex-US ETF (SPDW) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to equities in developed international markets outside the U.S.. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.03%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 3.19%. Launched in 2007, the fund has a 19-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.03% Yield: 3.19% Since: 2007-04-26
XLE State Street

State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to us sector - energy securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.52%. Launched in 1998, the fund has a 28-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.09% Yield: 2.52% Since: 1998-12-22

Quick Verdict

SPDW has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.03% vs 0.09%), saving about $119 per $10,000 over 10 years. Both funds have delivered similar 1-year returns (25.6% vs 25.9%), tracking closely. Income investors may prefer SPDW for its higher yield (3.2% vs 2.5%).

Key Metrics

Metric SPDW XLE
Expense Ratio 0.03% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 3.2% 2.5%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category International Developed US Sector - Energy

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

70 106 142 178 214 250 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
SPDW +26.6%
XLE +141.4%

Performance Comparison

Period SPDW XLE Difference
1 Month -2.87% +4.88% -7.75%
3 Months +2.43% +29.86% -27.43%
6 Months +5.33% +32.69% -27.36%
YTD +2.43% +29.86% -27.43%
1 Year +25.60% +25.95% -0.35%
3 Years +42.12% +36.94% +5.18%
5 Years +26.60% +141.42% -114.82%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SPDW Fees XLE Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $60 $179 $119
$10,000 20 years $258 $771 $512
$10,000 30 years $835 $2,486 $1,650
$50,000 10 years $299 $896 $597
$50,000 30 years $4,176 $12,428 $8,252
$100,000 30 years $8,352 $24,855 $16,503

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric SPDW XLE
Annualized Volatility 16.3% 26.0%
Max Drawdown -33.0% -26.9%
Sharpe Ratio 0.10 0.64

Dividend Comparison

Metric SPDW XLE
Annual Dividend (per share) $1.47 $1.49
Dividend Yield 3.19% 2.52%
Distribution Frequency Semi-Annual or Annual Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose SPDW if...

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

Choose SPDW if...

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

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