ETF Versus

XLE vs XLU

State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF vs State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

XLE State Street

State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to us sector - energy securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.52%. Launched in 1998, the fund has a 28-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.09% Yield: 2.52% Since: 1998-12-22
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

Over the past year, XLE has significantly outperformed with a 25.9% return vs 16.7%.

Key Metrics

Metric XLE XLU
Expense Ratio 0.09% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 2.5% 2.6%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Sector - Energy US Sector - Utilities

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

85 118 151 184 217 250 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
XLE +141.4%
XLU +43.3%

Performance Comparison

Period XLE XLU Difference
1 Month +4.88% -1.55% +6.43%
3 Months +29.86% +7.32% +22.54%
6 Months +32.69% +3.24% +29.45%
YTD +29.86% +7.32% +22.54%
1 Year +25.95% +16.70% +9.25%
3 Years +36.94% +37.86% -0.92%
5 Years +141.42% +43.29% +98.13%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period XLE 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 XLE XLU
Annualized Volatility 26.0% 17.1%
Max Drawdown -26.9% -28.1%
Sharpe Ratio 0.64 0.24

Dividend Comparison

Metric XLE XLU
Annual Dividend (per share) $1.49 $1.19
Dividend Yield 2.52% 2.57%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose XLE if...

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

Related Comparisons