ETF Versus

XLC vs XLK

State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF vs State Street Technology 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
XLK State Street

State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to us sector - technology securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers a modest dividend yield of 0.56%. Launched in 1998, the fund has a 28-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.09% Yield: 0.56% Since: 1998-12-22

Quick Verdict

Over the past year, XLK has significantly outperformed with a 29.4% return vs 15.0%. Income investors may prefer XLC for its higher yield (1.3% vs 0.6%).

Key Metrics

Metric XLC XLK
Expense Ratio 0.09% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 1.3% 0.6%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Sector - Communication US Sector - Technology

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

60 92 124 156 188 220 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
XLC +46.3%
XLK +96.1%

Performance Comparison

Period XLC XLK Difference
1 Month -5.56% -1.40% -4.16%
3 Months -4.70% -6.04% +1.34%
6 Months -4.39% -5.72% +1.33%
YTD -4.70% -6.04% +1.34%
1 Year +15.02% +29.41% -14.39%
3 Years +91.38% +79.85% +11.53%
5 Years +46.29% +96.09% -49.80%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period XLC Fees XLK 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 XLK
Annualized Volatility 20.7% 24.7%
Max Drawdown -47.2% -34.0%
Sharpe Ratio 0.26 0.49

Dividend Comparison

Metric XLC XLK
Annual Dividend (per share) $1.40 $0.77
Dividend Yield 1.25% 0.56%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose XLK if...

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

Choose XLC if...

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

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