The XLF is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that focuses on the financial sector of the stock market. It includes a variety of companies involved in banking, insurance, and investment services. Investors use the XLF to gain exposure to the performance of these financial institutions without having to buy individual stocks. Launched in 2000, the XLF is managed by State Street Global Advisors. It tracks the performance of the Financial Select Sector Index, which is made up of large-cap U.S. financial companies. This makes it a popular choice for those looking to invest in the financial industry as a whole.