XLU vs HYG — 18-Year Performance Comparison
Utilities vs High Yield Bonds — backtested 2007–2024
XLU wins$37,506 vs $22,983 on $10,000 over 18 years
XLUUtilities
Final value$37,506
CAGR+7.6%
Max drawdown-29.0%
Best year+29% (2014)
Years won12 of 18
HYGHigh Yield Bonds
Final value$22,983
CAGR+4.7%
Max drawdown-17.5%
Best year+29% (2009)
Years won6 of 18
Growth of $10,000
2007–2024XLUHYG
XLU$37,506
HYG$22,983
50/50 mix$30,367
50/50 blend: $30,367 (+6.4%/yr CAGR)
Splitting equally between XLU and HYG would have landed between the two — slightly lower CAGR than XLU but less volatility. Try a custom split →
Year-by-year: XLU vs HYG
| Year | XLU | HYG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | +23.4% | +8.0% | XLU |
| 2023 | -10.2% | +11.5% | HYG |
| 2022 | -0.9% | -11.0% | XLU |
| 2021 | +17.7% | +3.8% | XLU |
| 2020 | -0.6% | +4.5% | HYG |
| 2019 | +26.3% | +14.1% | XLU |
| 2018 | +4.4% | -2.0% | XLU |
| 2017 | +12.1% | +6.1% | XLU |
| 2016 | +16.3% | +13.4% | XLU |
| 2015 | -4.8% | -5.0% | XLU |
| 2014 | +29.0% | +1.9% | XLU |
| 2013 | +13.2% | +5.8% | XLU |
| 2012 | +1.4% | +11.7% | HYG |
| 2011 | +20.0% | +6.8% | XLU |
| 2010 | +5.5% | +11.9% | HYG |
| 2009 | +11.5% | +28.5% | HYG |
| 2008 | -29.0% | -17.6% | HYG |
| 2007 | +20.2% | +1.6% | XLU |
More comparisons
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