ETF Versus

XLB vs XLC

State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF vs State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

XLB State Street

State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to us sector - materials securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.74%. Launched in 1998, the fund has a 28-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.09% Yield: 1.74% Since: 1998-12-22
XLC State Street

State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLC) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to us sector - communication securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.25%. Launched in 2018, the fund has a 8-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.09% Yield: 1.25% Since: 2018-06-19

Quick Verdict

Both funds have delivered similar 1-year returns (15.8% vs 15.0%), tracking closely.

Key Metrics

Metric XLB XLC
Expense Ratio 0.09% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 1.7% 1.3%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Sector - Materials US Sector - Communication

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

60 80 100 120 140 160 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
XLB +25.2%
XLC +46.3%

Performance Comparison

Period XLB XLC Difference
1 Month -3.00% -5.56% +2.56%
3 Months +9.24% -4.70% +13.94%
6 Months +12.23% -4.39% +16.62%
YTD +9.24% -4.70% +13.94%
1 Year +15.80% +15.02% +0.78%
3 Years +24.13% +91.38% -67.25%
5 Years +25.21% +46.29% -21.08%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period XLB Fees XLC Fees You Save
$10,000 10 years $179 $179 $0
$10,000 20 years $771 $771 $0
$10,000 30 years $2,486 $2,486 $0
$50,000 10 years $896 $896 $0
$50,000 30 years $12,428 $12,428 $0
$100,000 30 years $24,855 $24,855 $0

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric XLB XLC
Annualized Volatility 18.9% 20.7%
Max Drawdown -25.7% -47.2%
Sharpe Ratio 0.10 0.26

Dividend Comparison

Metric XLB XLC
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.87 $1.40
Dividend Yield 1.74% 1.25%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose XLB if...

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

Related Comparisons