ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
iShares is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for offering a broad, diversified lineup of exchange-traded funds across multiple asset classes and investment strategies. The company operates 215 funds spanning 15 distinct families, including popular offerings in dividend income, covered call strategies, bonds, equities, ESG-focused investments, and factor-based approaches, with widely-held tickers like AGG (bond), ACWI (global equity), and AOA (allocation). iShares is characterized by its comprehensive fund ecosystem that serves both core portfolio holdings and specialized investment strategies, making it a prominent player for investors seeking both traditional and alternative income-generating ETF solutions.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on IYE.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for its flagship SPDR suite of exchange-traded products that serve both institutional and retail investors across a broad range of asset classes. Their 88-fund lineup spans diverse strategies including sector exposure (Select Sector SPDR), income generation (Income and Select Sector SPDR Premium Income families), commodities (including the widely-held GLD gold ETF), bonds, ESG-focused investments, and thematic allocations, with popular tickers like DIA (Diamonds Trust), FEZ (Eurozone exposure), and JNK (high-yield bonds) among their most recognized funds. The issuer is characterized by its comprehensive coverage across multiple market segments and its emphasis on both traditional index-based products and specialized strategies like covered call income funds and factor-based investing.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on XLE.
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
IYE has lagged XLE over the trailing twelve months, posting a 32.48% total return against 33.23%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: XLE has compounded at 9.40% a year, against 8.25% for IYE. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of July 14, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since Jun 2000” measures every fund from June 16, 2000 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the trailing 3 years. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the trailing 3 years) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Quick verdict
IYE (iShares U.S. Energy ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both quarterly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.
XLE offers the higher yield at 2.70% vs 2.04% for IYE. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
XLE is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.09% compared to 0.40%.
They track different benchmarks: IYE is linked to Dow Jones U.S. Oil & Gas Index while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
XLE is the larger fund by assets ($39.1B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, IYE would generate roughly $17.00/month, while XLE would produce $22.50/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
IYE yield2.04%
XLE yield2.70%
Monthly diff on $10K$5.50
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, IYE would cost approximately $400 in fees vs $90 for XLE (simplified, not compounded). The $310.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
IYE ER0.40%
XLE ER0.09%
Strategy & risk
IYE tracks Dow Jones U.S. Oil & Gas Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index with an oil approach. Beta is 0.02 for IYE and -0.02 for XLE, indicating XLE is less volatile relative to the market.
IYE beta0.02
XLE beta-0.02
Fund details
IYE is managed by iShares (launched 06/12/2000) with $1.60B in assets. XLE is managed by State Street (launched 12/16/1998) with $39.1B in assets.
Do us a favor — if you found this comparison useful, please share it with a friend researching dividend ETFs.
Frequently asked questions
Is IYE or XLE better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. XLE currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between IYE and XLE?
IYE (iShares U.S. Energy ETF) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Oil & Gas Index, while XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) tracks Energy Select Sector Index with an oil approach. They are issued by iShares and State Street respectively.
Can I hold both IYE and XLE?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Which has lower fees, IYE or XLE?
IYE has an expense ratio of 0.40% while XLE charges 0.09%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in IYE vs XLE generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in IYE would generate roughly $17.00 per month ($204.00 annually). The same in XLE would produce about $22.50 per month ($270.00 annually).
Which has performed better historically, IYE or XLE?
IYE has lagged XLE over the trailing twelve months, posting a 32.48% total return against 33.23%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: XLE has compounded at 9.40% a year, against 8.25% for IYE. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Explore related screeners
Lateral filters that include these funds — browse the full peer set on DividendVision.
Still deciding? Compare them against your own portfolio
See how each ETF fits alongside your real holdings — forecast future income, analyze overlap, and gauge risk. Start a free 7-day Dividend Vision trial and make the call with your full portfolio in view.
