ETF Versus

XLF vs XLP

State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF vs State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

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
XLP State Street

State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to us sector - consumer staples securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers an attractive dividend yield of 2.67%. Launched in 1998, the fund has a 28-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.09% Yield: 2.67% Since: 1998-12-22

Quick Verdict

XLP has edged ahead over the past year (-0.1% vs -1.3%). Income investors may prefer XLP for its higher yield (2.7% vs 1.6%).

Key Metrics

Metric XLF XLP
Expense Ratio 0.09% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 1.6% 2.7%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Sector - Financials US Sector - Consumer Staples

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
XLF +42.5%
XLP +18.3%

Performance Comparison

Period XLF XLP Difference
1 Month -3.34% -7.15% +3.81%
3 Months -9.89% +4.87% -14.76%
6 Months -7.82% +5.18% -13.00%
YTD -9.89% +4.87% -14.76%
1 Year -1.32% -0.10% -1.22%
3 Years +53.68% +8.48% +45.20%
5 Years +42.49% +18.33% +24.16%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period XLF Fees XLP 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 XLF XLP
Annualized Volatility 18.7% 13.1%
Max Drawdown -26.9% -17.8%
Sharpe Ratio 0.23 -0.02

Dividend Comparison

Metric XLF XLP
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.79 $2.18
Dividend Yield 1.60% 2.67%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose XLP if...

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

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