What is XLC and what does it track?

State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLC) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) providing diversified exposure to a basket of securities. ETFs trade on major stock exchanges like individual stocks, combining diversification with intraday flexibility.

How large is XLC in terms of assets under management?

XLC currently manages approximately $27.16B in assets. Larger funds typically benefit from higher liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads, reducing trading costs.

Does XLC pay distributions or dividends?

XLC currently has a distribution yield of 1.14%. ETF distributions are typically paid monthly or quarterly and are passed through from income generated by the underlying holdings.

What are the costs of holding XLC?

XLC has an annual expense ratio (TER) of 0.08%. This fee is deducted directly from the fund's assets. Lower expense ratios are generally preferable, as costs compound over time. The portfolio turnover rate is 40%, reflecting how frequently holdings are replaced within a year.

What does the momentum analysis show for XLC?

The momentum analysis tracks the daily rate of change of XLC's smoothed price average. A consistently positive and rising value indicates the ETF's trend is gaining strength. A declining or negative value suggests the trend is weakening.

How often is the XLC data updated?

All data on this page is updated once per trading day after the US market closes, using official end-of-day prices.

XLC – State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF

ETF

Communications | Inception: 2018-06-18

Quick Stats

Trend Signal

$111.40

Last Close

Official EOD price – basis for all calculations

▲ Long

Swing Trend

Moving average structure confirms uptrend – bulls in control

+12.34%

Signal Edge

Moderate edge across 1 signals – signal performs above random, not exceptional

9.7

Trend Strength (ADX)

Weak / ranging – trend signals less reliable

Options Signals

17%

IV-Rank (52w)

Options are historically cheap – premium buying favored

61% / 39%

Call / Put Flow

Bullish positioning – call premium dominates options flow

Last Trendchange Signal

06.08.26

Date

Signal entry date

$111.18

Entry Price

Closing price at signal date

Days Held

Trading days since signal

+0.13%

+10d

Return after 10 trading days

–

+20d

Not yet reached

–

+30d

Not yet reached

–

+60d

Not yet reached

Trend Overview

EMA21 Cross – Directional Shift Composite Score: +2 / 7

XLC has just crossed the 21-day EMA at $110.12, now trading above the line. Bulls have reclaimed a key reference. Whether this becomes a sustained move or a failed breakout depends on momentum confirming in the sessions ahead.

What to watch

The cross is a signal, not a confirmation. Watch for a successful retest of the EMA21 from above – that would be the higher-confidence entry.

Options Signal Highlight

MEDIUM Strength 4.3 Long Call 📖 View full options analysis →

Latest XLC Reports

Exchange Traded Funds - Signals XLC Signal Follow-Up: 10 Days, +0.13%, Exit Rule Triggered

Aug 20, 2026

Exchange Traded Funds - Signals XLC Signal Follow-Up – 10 Days Review: -0.64% Performance

Apr 28, 2026

Exchange Traded Funds - Signals XLC Trade Setup: 10.38% Historical Edge & Exit Rules

Apr 15, 2026

Exchange Traded Funds - Signals XLC Communication Services ETF – Trend Change Signal Analysis 2026

Mar 03, 2026

XLC Price Chart

Technical Trend Analysis

As of 21.08.2026 · Close: $111.40 · ATR14: $1.60

EMA21 Cross – Directional Shift Composite Score: +2 / 7

What to watch

The cross is a signal, not a confirmation. Watch for a successful retest of the EMA21 from above – that would be the higher-confidence entry.

Indicator	Signal	Detail
Swing Trend	▲ Long	Primary directional bias
Momentum	▲ Up · 13d	Strength: 0.14 – Fading
Trend Strength (ADX)	9.7 – Weak	ADX38: 9.4
Volatility (HV30)	22.5% – Rising	HV90: 17.8% \| HV180: 16.0%
Vola Compression	None	Normal range
MA Structure	Death Cross ✗	Stack: Partially aligned (1/3)
EMA21 Distance	~0 ATR – Near line	EMA21: $110.12
GD200 Extension	-1.4 ATR – Normal	GD20: 0.5 \| GD50: 0.8 \| GD100: -0.7

⚠️ Momentum Fading

Upward momentum has been running 13 days but strength is declining (0.14). The trend is intact but losing energy.

⚪ Trend Strength – ADX14: 9.7 (Weak)

Weak or ranging market. ADX38: 9.4. Trend-following signals carry lower reliability.

🔺 Volatility Rising

HV30: 22.5% | HV90: 17.8% | HV180: 16.0%. Short-term vol is running above its 90-day average. Wider stops and reduced size may be appropriate.

💀 Death Cross – Long-term Bearish

Death Cross in place. GD50 $110.00 below GD200 $114.04. Long-term structure remains bearish. MA stack: Partially aligned (1/3).

⚡ EMA21 – Fresh Cross

Price has just crossed the 21-day EMA at $110.12, now trading above. Often marks a near-term directional shift.

📐 Key Price Levels & ATR Distance

GD20: $110.60 (0.5 ATR) | GD50: $110.00 (0.8 ATR) | GD100: $112.62 (-0.7 ATR) | GD200: $114.04 (-1.4 ATR). ATR14: $1.60.

Monthly Performance History

Year	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Total
2018						-0.86	-2.77	1.91	0.89	T -5.66	-2.81	-8.43	-17.37
2019	T 10.28	-0.11	1.06	5.45	-5.46	T 7.91	2.34	-2.00	T 0.98	T 3.26	3.16	3.02	28.21
2020	-0.65	-6.95	-15.77	T 18.36	8.96	-1.10	4.97	8.73	-6.87	T -1.74	10.53	1.32	24.36
2021	T 0.60	5.05	-0.11	4.65	T 1.48	2.70	1.02	4.15	-6.90	-1.42	-6.29	T 5.50	16.85
2022	-5.46	-8.23	T 1.76	-14.76	-0.84	-8.77	2.83	T -3.39	-12.74	-2.07	T 7.54	-7.37	-38.65
2023	T 13.31	-4.00	T 9.19	2.90	3.92	3.17	5.34	-1.41	T -2.28	T -2.03	T 6.24	3.93	49.48
2024	5.02	3.52	2.05	-5.38	T 5.96	2.48	0.57	T 1.37	5.46	1.74	6.49	-2.42	33.99
2025	T 5.24	-0.58	-4.49	-1.11	T 5.70	6.51	-0.32	4.97	6.45	-1.63	1.58	T 2.50	21.01
2026	2.72	-1.35	T -5.95	T 4.74	-0.88	-7.34	T -1.37	T 0.05					-4.70

T A T badge marks a Trendchange signal in that month. Hover for entry price.

Trendchange Signal History

The last 10 Trendchange signals for XLC:

Date	Entry Price	Days Held	+10d	+20d	+30d	+60d
06.08.26	$111.18	5d	+0.13%	+0%	+0%	+0%
15.07.26	$113.38	2d	-2.95%	-1.86%	+0%	+0%
14.04.26	$116.56	16d	-0.64%	+0.33%	+0.36%	-4.43%
03.03.26	$117.96	6d	-0.81%	-0.81%	-1.19%	+0%
02.12.25	$115.23	23d	+1.16%	+2.66%	+2.01%	+1.15%
01.05.25	$95.93	69d	+4.96%	+5.26%	+8.03%	+22.36%
27.01.25	$100.93	34d	+1.79%	+2.27%	+2.27%	+3.76%
19.08.24	$87.24	54d	+0.09%	+0.62%	+3.62%	+18.32%
09.05.24	$81.67	57d	+1.43%	+4.05%	+4%	+10.05%
07.11.23	$67.74	70d	+4.61%	+2.17%	+6.95%	+26.28%

Signal Statistics – Historical Edge

Calculated edge for XLC: 12.34%

Range	N	10d	20d	30d	60d	Signal
5-7%	1	+5.15%	+14.31%	+8.02%	+14.72%	Hold
3-5%	5	+4.06%	+3.24%	+7.27%	+18.31%	Hold
1-3%	7	+2.05%	+2.57%	+3.09%	+7.99%	Hold
0-1%	5	+0.31%	+0.46%	+1.35%	+0.14%	Close
-1-0%	6	-0.59%	+0.68%	+0.83%	+1.37%	Neg
-3-1%	3	-2.17%	-1.77%	-0.71%	+0%	Neg
-5-3%	1	-4.83%	-4.83%	-4.83%	-20.63%	Neg

Exit Rules: Stoploss: -10% | Close if below 1% after 10 days

Signal data as of August 21, 2026

MEDIUM ALERT ● Neutral Strength: 4.3

Options Metrics

IV-Rank (52w)

17%

Bottom 20% of the past 52 weeks – options are historically cheap. Conditions favor premium buyers (Long Call, Long Put).

Call / Put Flow

61% / 39%

More than 60% of options premium is flowing into calls. This indicates net bullish positioning by market participants.

GEX (Mio.)

37,416.0

Positive GEX: market makers are long gamma. They buy dips and sell rallies, which suppresses volatility and keeps price in a range.

Max Pain

$110.50 · 0.8%

Max Pain is the price at which the most options contracts expire worthless. As expiration approaches, price often gravitates toward this level due to dealer hedging flows.

Spot Price

$111.40

Last traded price at signal calculation time

Gamma Exposure Timeline

Key GEX levels, Max Pain, and unusual activity across weekly and monthly expirations, plotted around the current spot price.

XLC GEX timeline showing put/call gamma pins, max pain and flip strike

Key GEX levels, Max Pain, Anchor, Ceiling and unusual activity across 14-30 DTE, plotted around the current spot price.

Put and call pins mark strikes where dealer gamma exposure concentrates. The GEX flip strike is where dealer hedging shifts from stabilizing (positive gamma) to amplifying (negative gamma) price moves. Max Pain is the strike where the most options expire worthless. Dashed markers flag unusual options activity. Learn how to use these signals in our options strategy guides →

Strategy Setups – You Decide

Based on current options data, 2 setups match the current conditions. Each strategy has different risk/reward characteristics – the final decision is always yours.

Setup 1 of 2 Long Call Full guide →

Why this fits today

IV-Rank at 17% – options are historically cheap. Bullish flow (61% calls) supports buying upside premium at below-average cost.

Advantages

✓ Unlimited upside potential with maximum loss capped at the premium paid

✓ Low IV-Rank means you are buying at historically cheap levels

✓ Benefits from both a price increase and a subsequent rise in implied volatility

Risks

✕ Time decay (theta) works against the position every day

✕ Requires a meaningful move to overcome the premium paid

✕ Full premium is lost if the stock stays below the strike at expiration

▶ FAQ: Long Call

What is a Long Call?

A Long Call gives the buyer the right to purchase the underlying at the strike price before expiration. The maximum loss is limited to the premium paid. It expresses a bullish directional view and profits if the underlying rises significantly above the strike price.

Why buy calls when IV-Rank is low?

Low IV-Rank means implied volatility is historically cheap - options are priced below their typical levels. Buying premium when it is cheap reduces the hurdle rate for profitability. If IV subsequently rises, the option gains value from both the price move and the increase in implied volatility.

What is the breakeven on a Long Call?

The breakeven equals the strike price plus the premium paid. For example, a call with a $100 strike bought for $3 breaks even at $103. Above that level, the position profits dollar-for-dollar with the stock. Below the strike at expiration, the full premium is lost.

Setup 2 of 2 Long Straddle Full guide →

Why this fits today

IV-Rank at 17% – buying both sides is cost-effective. A subsequent vol expansion or large move benefits both legs simultaneously.

Advantages

✓ Profits from any large directional move without needing to pick a side

✓ Buying when IV is historically cheap reduces the breakeven hurdle

✓ An unexpected vol expansion benefits both the call and put simultaneously

Risks

✕ Requires a significant move to recover the combined premium paid

✕ Theta decay accelerates as expiration approaches

✕ If the stock stays flat, both legs expire worthless

▶ FAQ: Long Straddle

What is a Long Straddle?

A Long Straddle buys a call and a put at the same strike and expiration. It profits from a large move in either direction. When IV is low, the premium cost is reduced, making the breakeven easier to reach on a directional move.

Why buy a straddle when IV is low?

Low IV means you are buying the options cheaply. If IV subsequently rises - due to an event or a directional move - both legs can gain value simultaneously, giving you a double benefit. The key is entering before the vol expansion.

All setups above are personal trade journal observations derived from options flow data. This is not financial advice. The decision to trade, and which strategy to use, is entirely yours.

View full options flow data and historical signals on the Options Flow Analysis Overview →

About State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF

Normally, the fund generally invests substantially all, but at least 95%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the index. The index includes companies that have been identified as Communication Services companies by the GICS®, including securities of companies from the following industries: diversified telecommunication services; wireless telecommunication services; media; entertainment; and interactive media & services. The fund is non-diversified.

Fund Overview

Metric	Value
Assets under Management	$27.16 B
Expense Ratio	0.08%
Dividend Yield	1.14%
Portfolio Turnover	40%
YTD Return	32.26%
3-Year Return	25.66%
5-Year Return	9.62%

Sector Allocation

Sector	Weight
Communication Services	99.5%

Top 10 Holdings

Symbol	Company	Weight
META	META PLATFORMS INC CLASS A	19.2%
GOOGL	ALPHABET INC CLASS A	10.61%
GOOG	ALPHABET INC CLASS C	8.45%
VZ	VERIZON COMMUNICATIONS INC	5.8%
NFLX	NETFLIX INC	5.67%
T	AT&T INC	5.17%
TMUS	T-MOBILE US INC	5%
CMCSA	COMCAST CORP CLASS A	5%
EA	ELECTRONIC ARTS INC	4.47%
WBD	WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY INC ORDINARY SHARES CLASS A	4.23%

Frequently Asked Questions – State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLC)

Disclaimer: All trade history on this page reflects the author's personal trading activity only. This is not financial advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. See our full Disclaimer.