ETF Versus

XLK vs XLU

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

Last updated: 2026-04-02

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
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, XLK has significantly outperformed with a 29.4% return vs 16.7%. Income investors may prefer XLU for its higher yield (2.6% vs 0.6%).

Key Metrics

Metric XLK XLU
Expense Ratio 0.09% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 0.6% 2.6%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Sector - Technology US Sector - Utilities

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

80 108 136 164 192 220 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
XLK +96.1%
XLU +43.3%

Performance Comparison

Period XLK XLU Difference
1 Month -1.40% -1.55% +0.15%
3 Months -6.04% +7.32% -13.36%
6 Months -5.72% +3.24% -8.96%
YTD -6.04% +7.32% -13.36%
1 Year +29.41% +16.70% +12.71%
3 Years +79.85% +37.86% +41.99%
5 Years +96.09% +43.29% +52.80%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period XLK 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 XLK XLU
Annualized Volatility 24.7% 17.1%
Max Drawdown -34.0% -28.1%
Sharpe Ratio 0.49 0.24

Dividend Comparison

Metric XLK XLU
Annual Dividend (per share) $0.77 $1.19
Dividend Yield 0.56% 2.57%
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 XLU if...

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

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