ETF Versus

XLP vs XLU

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

Last updated: 2026-04-02

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
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, XLU has significantly outperformed with a 16.7% return vs -0.1%.

Key Metrics

Metric XLP XLU
Expense Ratio 0.09% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 2.7% 2.6%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Sector - Consumer Staples US Sector - Utilities

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

85 98 111 124 137 150 2021-04 2022-06 2023-10 2024-12 2026-04
XLP +18.3%
XLU +43.3%

Performance Comparison

Period XLP XLU Difference
1 Month -7.15% -1.55% -5.60%
3 Months +4.87% +7.32% -2.45%
6 Months +5.18% +3.24% +1.94%
YTD +4.87% +7.32% -2.45%
1 Year -0.10% +16.70% -16.80%
3 Years +8.48% +37.86% -29.38%
5 Years +18.33% +43.29% -24.96%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period XLP 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 XLP XLU
Annualized Volatility 13.1% 17.1%
Max Drawdown -17.8% -28.1%
Sharpe Ratio -0.02 0.24

Dividend Comparison

Metric XLP XLU
Annual Dividend (per share) $2.18 $1.19
Dividend Yield 2.67% 2.57%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose XLU if...

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

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