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ETF Comparison

IYW vs XLK: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?

A head-to-head comparison of iShares U.S. Technology ETF and Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.

Data updated July 15, 2026

ETFs481
Total AUM$4450B

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 IYW.

ETFs182
Total AUM$2117B

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 XLK.

Side-by-side snapshot

IYWXLK
Full nameiShares U.S. Technology ETFTechnology Select Sector SPDR Fund
IssueriSharesState Street
Last Close$248.19 as of July 15, 2026$183.62 as of July 15, 2026
Distribution yield0.12%0.50%
Distribution Safety Score 6799
Expense ratio0.40%0.09%
AUM$24.3B$118B
Distribution frequencyQuarterlyQuarterly
Underlying indexDow Jones U.S. Technology Capped IndexTechnology Select Sector Index
ObjectiveTracks the Dow Jones U.S. Technology Capped Index.Track the Technology Select Sector Index, providing exposure to the information technology constituents of the S&P 500.
Asset classEquityEquity
Inception date05/15/200012/16/1998
Beta1.451.43
Last dividend$0.0718$0.2280
Ex-dividend date06/15/202609/21/2026

Bottom lineIYW and XLK are nearly interchangeable — both track the Dow Jones Industrial Average with very similar cost and risk. The clearest tie-breaker is cost: XLK is cheaper at 0.09% vs 0.40%.

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Visual comparison

Key metrics

Projected income on $10K

Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.

Total returns

IYW has lagged XLK over the trailing twelve months, posting a 41.80% total return against 44.41%. The picture flips over 10 years, though — IYW has compounded at 25.44% a year, ahead of XLK at 24.73%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.

SymbolYTD1Y3Y5Y10YSince May 2000Volatility Sharpe Sortino Max drawdown
IYW24.25%41.80%31.00%19.91%25.44%9.42%24.2%0.941.33-26.5%
XLK27.56%44.41%28.63%20.19%24.73%9.28%24.6%0.851.19-25.7%

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 May 2000” measures every fund from May 19, 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

IYW (iShares U.S. Technology ETF) and XLK (Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both quarterly-pay dividend ETFs, but they take different approaches.

XLK offers the higher yield at 0.50% vs 0.12% for IYW. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.

XLK is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.09% compared to 0.40%.

They track different benchmarks: IYW is linked to Dow Jones U.S. Technology Capped Index while XLK tracks Technology Select Sector Index, which means their performance drivers differ.

XLK is the larger fund by assets ($118B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.

Deep dive

Yield & income

On a $10,000 investment, IYW would generate roughly $1.00/month, while XLK would produce $4.17/month, at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.

IYW yield0.12%
XLK yield0.50%
Monthly diff on $10K$3.17

Cost & efficiency

Over 10 years on $10,000, IYW would cost approximately $400 in fees vs $90 for XLK (simplified, not compounded). The $310.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.

IYW ER0.40%
XLK ER0.09%

Strategy & risk

IYW tracks Dow Jones U.S. Technology Capped Index, while XLK tracks Technology Select Sector Index with a technology approach. Beta is 1.45 for IYW and 1.43 for XLK, indicating XLK is less volatile relative to the market.

IYW beta1.45
XLK beta1.43

Fund details

IYW is managed by iShares (launched 05/15/2000) with $24.3B in assets. XLK is managed by State Street (launched 12/16/1998) with $118B in assets.

IYW AUM$24.3B
XLK AUM$118B

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Frequently asked questions

Is IYW or XLK better for dividend income?

It depends on your goals. XLK 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 IYW and XLK?

IYW (iShares U.S. Technology ETF) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Technology Capped Index, while XLK (Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund) tracks Technology Select Sector Index with a technology approach. They are issued by iShares and State Street respectively.

Can I hold both IYW and XLK?

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, IYW or XLK?

IYW has an expense ratio of 0.40% while XLK charges 0.09%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.

How much income does $10,000 in IYW vs XLK generate?

At current rates, $10,000 in IYW would generate roughly $1.00 per month ($12.00 annually). The same in XLK would produce about $4.17 per month ($50.00 annually).

Which has performed better historically, IYW or XLK?

IYW has lagged XLK over the trailing twelve months, posting a 41.80% total return against 44.41%. The picture flips over 10 years, though — IYW has compounded at 25.44% a year, ahead of XLK at 24.73%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

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