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.)
