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XLBvsIYMETF Comparison
State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) and iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) belong to the same industry segment: US Materials. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: and Materials. XLB is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.08%, versus 0.38% for IYM. XLB is up 9.97% year-to-date (YTD) with +$802M in YTD flows. IYM performs better with 15.6% YTD performance, and +$624M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of XLB and IYM below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
XLB vs IYM performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XLB IYM | -7.02%-3.84% | +11.04%+16.91% | +9.97%+15.60% | +19.17%+35.25% | +36.59%+46.37% | +40.23%+55.09% |
| Flows | XLB IYM | +$299M+$167M | +$910M+$709M | +$802M+$624M | +$553M+$705M | -$14M+$390M | -$832M+$638M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | XLB IYM | +17.91%+20.79% | +20.57%+21.74% | +16.95%+17.91% | +18.86%+20.22% |
| Max drawdown | XLB IYM | -7.02%-6.90% | -14.65%-15.07% | -23.18%-23.58% | -24.78%-29.91% |
| Max drawdown duration | XLB IYM | 28d9d | 43d75d | 445d352d | 679d709d |
XLB | IYM | |
Last sale 3/12/2026 at 2:06 PM | $49.94 | $177.75 |
| Previous close 03/11/2026 | $49.84 | $177.86 |
| Consolidated volume 03/11/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Create an account to view replication metrics
XLB | IYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
XLB | IYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $49.94 | $177.75 |
| 1D performance | +0.20% | -0.06% |
| AuM | $6.67 B | $1.42 B |
| E/R | 0.08% | 0.38% |
XLB | IYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | SPDR | iShares |
| Benchmark | S&P Materials Select Sector Index | Russell 1000 Basic Materials RIC 22.5/45 Capped Gross Index |
| N° of holdings | 24 | 36 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | December 16, 1998 | June 12, 2000 |
| ESG | No | No |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the XLB and IYM ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 11, 2026, XLB is up 9.97% year-to-date (YTD), while IYM has returned 15.6%. That puts IYM better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: XLB or IYM?
Year-to-date, the XLB ETF saw +$802M in flows, compared to +$624M for IYM.
Which ETF is more volatile: XLB or IYM?
Over the past year, XLB had a volatility of 20.57%, while IYM experienced 21.74%.
Which ETF is bigger: XLB or IYM?
As of March 11, 2026, XLB holds $6.67 B in assets under management (AUM), while IYM manages $1.42 B.
What sectors do the XLB and IYM ETFs invest in?
XLB leans toward sectors like Materials. Meanwhile, IYM focuses on Materials and Industrials.
What are the top holdings of the XLB ETF and IYM ETF?
XLB top holdings include IE000S9YS762, NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC. IYM holds in its top three: IE000S9YS762, NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC.
Which ETF is more diversified: XLB or IYM?
XLB holds 25 securities with 76.05% of its assets in the top 15. IYM has 39 securities and a top 15 weight of 78.21%.
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