ETF Versus

SPYG vs XLU

State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF vs State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

SPYG State Street

State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 Growth ETF (SPYG) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to large-cap U.S. growth stocks with above-average earnings potential. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers a modest dividend yield of 0.57%. Launched in 2000, the fund has a 26-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.04% Yield: 0.57% Since: 2000-10-02
XLU State Street

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.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.09% Yield: 2.57% Since: 1998-12-22

Quick Verdict

SPYG has a slightly lower expense ratio (0.04% vs 0.09%), saving about $99 per $10,000 over 10 years. SPYG has edged ahead over the past year (21.4% vs 16.7%). Income investors may prefer XLU for its higher yield (2.6% vs 0.6%).

Key Metrics

Metric SPYG XLU
Expense Ratio 0.04% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 0.6% 2.6%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Large Cap Growth US Sector - Utilities

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

80 102 124 146 168 190 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
SPYG +69.7%
XLU +43.3%

Performance Comparison

Period SPYG XLU Difference
1 Month -3.54% -1.55% -1.99%
3 Months -7.19% +7.32% -14.51%
6 Months -5.92% +3.24% -9.16%
YTD -7.19% +7.32% -14.51%
1 Year +21.39% +16.70% +4.69%
3 Years +77.79% +37.86% +39.93%
5 Years +69.72% +43.29% +26.43%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period SPYG Fees XLU Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $80 $179 $99
$10,000 20 years $344 $771 $427
$10,000 30 years $1,112 $2,486 $1,373
$50,000 10 years $399 $896 $497
$50,000 30 years $5,560 $12,428 $6,867
$100,000 30 years $11,121 $24,855 $13,734

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric SPYG XLU
Annualized Volatility 21.1% 17.1%
Max Drawdown -33.1% -28.1%
Sharpe Ratio 0.40 0.24

Dividend Comparison

Metric SPYG XLU
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.56 $1.19
Dividend Yield 0.57% 2.57%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose SPYG if...

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

Choose SPYG if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

Choose XLU if...

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

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