ETF Versus

XLC vs XLF

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

Last updated: 2026-04-02

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
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, XLC has significantly outperformed with a 15.0% return vs -1.3%.

Key Metrics

Metric XLC XLF
Expense Ratio 0.09% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 1.3% 1.6%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Sector - Communication US Sector - Financials

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

60 81 102 123 144 165 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
XLC +46.3%
XLF +42.5%

Performance Comparison

Period XLC XLF Difference
1 Month -5.56% -3.34% -2.22%
3 Months -4.70% -9.89% +5.19%
6 Months -4.39% -7.82% +3.43%
YTD -4.70% -9.89% +5.19%
1 Year +15.02% -1.32% +16.34%
3 Years +91.38% +53.68% +37.70%
5 Years +46.29% +42.49% +3.80%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period XLC 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 XLC XLF
Annualized Volatility 20.7% 18.7%
Max Drawdown -47.2% -26.9%
Sharpe Ratio 0.26 0.23

Dividend Comparison

Metric XLC XLF
Annual Dividend (per share) $1.40 $0.79
Dividend Yield 1.25% 1.60%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose XLC if...

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

Choose XLF if...

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

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