ETF Versus

XLC vs XLU

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

XLU has edged ahead over the past year (16.7% vs 15.0%). Income investors may prefer XLU for its higher yield (2.6% vs 1.3%).

Key Metrics

Metric XLC XLU
Expense Ratio 0.09% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 1.3% 2.6%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Sector - Communication US Sector - Utilities

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
XLC +46.3%
XLU +43.3%

Performance Comparison

Period XLC XLU Difference
1 Month -5.56% -1.55% -4.01%
3 Months -4.70% +7.32% -12.02%
6 Months -4.39% +3.24% -7.63%
YTD -4.70% +7.32% -12.02%
1 Year +15.02% +16.70% -1.68%
3 Years +91.38% +37.86% +53.52%
5 Years +46.29% +43.29% +3.00%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period XLC Fees XLU 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 XLU
Annualized Volatility 20.7% 17.1%
Max Drawdown -47.2% -28.1%
Sharpe Ratio 0.26 0.24

Dividend Comparison

Metric XLC XLU
Annual Dividend (per share) $1.40 $1.19
Dividend Yield 1.25% 2.57%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose XLU if...

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

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