ETF Versus

XLU vs XLV

State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF

Last updated: 2026-04-02

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
XLV State Street

State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) is an exchange-traded fund issued by State Street that provides exposure to us sector - healthcare securities. It charges a low expense ratio of 0.09%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.70%. Launched in 1998, the fund has a 28-year track record.

AUM: N/A ER: 0.09% Yield: 1.70% Since: 1998-12-22

Quick Verdict

Over the past year, XLU has significantly outperformed with a 16.7% return vs 2.2%. Income investors may prefer XLU for its higher yield (2.6% vs 1.7%).

Key Metrics

Metric XLU XLV
Expense Ratio 0.09% 0.09%
Dividend Yield 2.6% 1.7%
Fund Family State Street State Street
Category US Sector - Utilities US Sector - Healthcare

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
XLU +43.3%
XLV +25.8%

Performance Comparison

Period XLU XLV Difference
1 Month -1.55% -5.92% +4.37%
3 Months +7.32% -5.18% +12.50%
6 Months +3.24% +2.32% +0.92%
YTD +7.32% -5.18% +12.50%
1 Year +16.70% +2.19% +14.51%
3 Years +37.86% +12.64% +25.22%
5 Years +43.29% +25.82% +17.47%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period XLU Fees XLV 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 XLU XLV
Annualized Volatility 17.1% 14.6%
Max Drawdown -28.1% -18.1%
Sharpe Ratio 0.24 0.08

Dividend Comparison

Metric XLU XLV
Annual Dividend (per share) $1.19 $2.51
Dividend Yield 2.57% 1.70%
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.

Choose XLU if...

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

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