State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP +0.74%) provides equal-weighted exposure to fossil fuel producers, while iShares Global Clean Energy ETF (ICLN -0.82%) tracks a market-cap-weighted index of international renewable energy firms.
These funds offer exposure to two very different sides of the energy market. While one targets the traditional fossil fuel industry, the other looks toward the future of renewables. This comparison explores how their differing strategies affect costs, yields, and historical risk profiles for long-term investors.
Snapshot (cost & size)
| Metric | ICLN | XOP |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | iShares | SPDR |
| Share price | $18.36 (as of 2026-08-13) | $179.17 (as of 2026-08-13) |
| Expense ratio | 0.39% | 0.35% |
| 1-yr return (as of Aug. 13, 2026) | 34.5% | 46.7% |
| Dividend yield | 1.0% | 1.8% |
| Beta | 1.11 | 0.53 |
| AUM | $2.2B | $3.6B |
Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from monthly returns over the available fund history (up to five years). The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.
The State Street fund is slightly more affordable with an expense ratio of 0.35%, compared to 0.39% for the iShares fund. Additionally, the State Street fund offers a higher payout with a trailing-12-month dividend yield of 1.8%.
Performance & risk comparison
| Metric | ICLN | XOP |
|---|---|---|
| Max drawdown (5 yr) | (57.2%) | (35.0%) |
| Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return) | $868 | $2,517 |
iShares Trust – iShares Global Clean Energy ETF
Today’s Change
(-0.82%) $-0.15
Current Price
$18.21
Key Data Points
AUM
$2.2B
Dividend Yield
1.01%
Expense Ratio
0.39%
Top Holdings
FSLR
8.20%
NXT
7.84%
BE
7.64%
What’s inside
The State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF offers targeted exposure to the oil and gas segment, including integrated firms and those involved in extraction and refining. Its portfolio of 51 holdings follows a modified equal-weighted approach, meaning its largest positions include PBF Energy (PBF -3.02%) at 3.89%, Delek US (DK -4.14%) at 3.21%, and Par Pacific Holdings (PARR -2.22%) at 3.17%. It was launched in 2006. State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF has paid $3.25 per share over the trailing 12 months, which on its recent ~$179.17 share price works out to a 1.8% yield.
The iShares Global Clean Energy ETF tracks the worldwide clean energy industry, mirroring an index of international companies focused on sustainable power solutions. Its portfolio of 105 holdings leans heavily into utilities and technology, and it applies an ESG screen to its selection process. Its largest positions include First Solar (FSLR +0.84%) at 8.30%, Nextpower (NXT -2.95%) at 7.75%, and Bloom Energy (BE -2.66%) at 7.65%. It was launched in 2008. iShares Global Clean Energy ETF has paid $0.18 per share over the trailing 12 months, which on its recent ~$18.36 share price works out to a 1% yield.
For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.
SPDR Series Trust – State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF
Today’s Change
(0.74%) $1.32
Current Price
$180.49
Key Data Points
AUM
$3.7B
Dividend Yield
1.80%
Expense Ratio
0.35%
Top Holdings
PBF
3.89%
DK
3.21%
PARR
3.17%
Which looks like the better buy
The energy transition was supposed to be the investment story of the decade. Unfortunately for clean energy fund investors, it has been a study in patience. Clean energy fund ICLN delivered essentially flat returns over the past five years despite the global push toward renewables, weighed down by rising interest rates that crushed capital-intensive solar and wind projects. That same period rewarded investors in traditional fossil fuel producers handsomely, as energy demand surged and oil prices climbed.
The irony is that ICLN has staged a solid comeback over the past year as policy support returned and clean energy valuations normalized. XOP has also delivered strong recent returns, driven by geopolitical tension keeping oil prices elevated.
At a slightly lower expense ratio, XOP is the more income-friendly choice. And its equal-weight structure, which gives smaller exploration companies the same influence as larger producers, can amplify returns in energy bull markets. For investors who want energy exposure tied to proven cash flows and commodity demand, XOP is the more dependable choice today. ICLN is the more patient bet for those who believe the clean energy transition is entering a more durable phase.