SLX vs XLB
VanEck Steel ETF compared with State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF on yield, payout growth, payment schedule, cost and risk.
SLX
VanEck Steel ETF
TTM yield · Annual
XLB
State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF
TTM yield · Quarterly
Quick take
- XLB yields more today: 1.49% vs 1.19% (forward).
- SLX has grown its payout faster: 9.6%/yr vs 4.8%/yr over the last 5 years.
- SLX pays once a year; XLB pays every quarter.
- Over the last year SLX delivered the higher total return: +58.0% vs +14.4% (price change plus payouts).
- XLB is cheaper to own: 0.08% vs 0.55% expense ratio.
- XLB has the steadier distribution: consistency 86/100 vs 26/100.
Generated from the latest data on both pages. Not a recommendation.
Side by side
| Metric | SLX | XLB |
|---|---|---|
| Share price | $110.99 | $51.94 |
| TTM yield | 1.19% | 1.63% |
| Forward yield | 1.19% | 1.49% |
| Annual payout per share | $1.316 | $0.772 |
| Payment frequency | Annual | Quarterly |
| Next ex-date | Dec 21, 2026 (est.) | Sep 21, 2026 (est.) |
| Expense ratio | 0.55% | 0.08% |
| 1-year payout growth | -36.7% | -0.6% |
| 5-year payout CAGR | +9.6% | +4.8% |
| Consecutive years of increases | 0 years | 1 year |
| Payout consistency (last 12) | 26/100 | 86/100 |
| 1-year total return | +58.0% | +14.4% |
| 1-year price return | +56.1% | +12.6% |
| Size (market cap / AUM) | 173.2M | 8.8B |
| Years paying | 19.7 | 27.5 |
| Sector / category | Natural Resources | Natural Resources |
✓ marks the more favourable figure where one exists (higher yield, growth, streak, consistency, return and size; lower cost, payout ratio and risk).
$10,000 invested today
| SLX | XLB | |
|---|---|---|
| Shares | 90.1 | 192.5 |
| Income per year | $119 | $149 |
| Income per month (avg) | $10 | $12 |
Next payments
| Ex-date | Pay date | Per share | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLX Dec 21, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | $1.316 | Est. |
| XLB Sep 21, 2026 | Oct 5, 2026 | $0.193 | Est. |
| XLB Dec 21, 2026 | Jan 4, 2027 | $0.193 | Est. |
| XLB Mar 22, 2027 | Apr 5, 2027 | $0.193 | Est. |
Annual payouts per share
SLXXLB
Regular payments only; the current year is year to date. Per-share amounts are not directly comparable when share prices differ, so read this chart for growth trends.
FAQ
Which has the higher dividend yield, SLX or XLB?
XLB currently has the higher trailing yield: SLX yields 1.19% and XLB yields 1.63%. Yield changes daily with price, so check the live figures above.
How often do SLX and XLB pay?
SLX pays once a year and XLB pays every quarter. SLX's next ex-date is Dec 21, 2026 and XLB's is Sep 21, 2026.
Which has grown its dividend faster, SLX or XLB?
SLX has grown its payout faster: 9.6%/yr vs 4.8%/yr over the last 5 years.
Is SLX or XLB better for income?
It depends on what you are optimising for. SLX and XLB differ in yield, growth, payment schedule and risk profile; the table above puts every metric side by side so you can weigh them for your own goals. This page is data, not advice.