XLF offers efficient exposure to the heavyweights in the US financials segment. Its cap-weighted, S&P 500-only portfolio means that its concentrated in large banks and avoids small-caps. For many investors and traders, XLF has been the go-to ETF for financials exposure, although there are more comprehensive funds out there for long-term exposure. Note: XLF spun off its real estate exposure in September 2016, consistent with the GICS reclassification that elevated real estate to sector-level status. The change was material: Real estate comprised about 20% of the fund at the time. For each share held, XLF shareholders as of 9/16/16 received 0.139146 shares of XLRE, State Street Global Advisors' real estate ETF. (Immediately prior to the distribution, XLF had swapped its REITs for shares of XLRE.) Prior to Dec. 1, 2025, the fund name did not include the Issuer's name, State Street.