ETF Versus

XLB vs XLF

State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF vs State Street Financial 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
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

Over the past year, XLB has significantly outperformed with a 15.8% return vs -1.3%.

Key Metrics

Metric XLB XLF
Expense Ratio 0.09% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 1.7% 1.6%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Sector - Materials US Sector - Financials

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

85 101 117 133 149 165 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
XLB +25.2%
XLF +42.5%

Performance Comparison

Period XLB XLF Difference
1 Month -3.00% -3.34% +0.34%
3 Months +9.24% -9.89% +19.13%
6 Months +12.23% -7.82% +20.05%
YTD +9.24% -9.89% +19.13%
1 Year +15.80% -1.32% +17.12%
3 Years +24.13% +53.68% -29.55%
5 Years +25.21% +42.49% -17.28%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period XLB Fees XLF 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 XLF
Annualized Volatility 18.9% 18.7%
Max Drawdown -25.7% -26.9%
Sharpe Ratio 0.10 0.23

Dividend Comparison

Metric XLB XLF
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.87 $0.79
Dividend Yield 1.74% 1.60%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose XLB if...

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

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