EDV vs XLE
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
EDV has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. EDV offers more diversification with 76 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EDV | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.83% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | -5.78% | +33.65% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.10% | +47.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -4.63% | +13.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.45% | +23.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Dec 16, 1998 |
EDV vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year EDV returned -5.10% while XLE returned +47.31%. Year to date, EDV is down 5.78% versus a gain of 33.65% for XLE.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -4.63% per year against +13.81% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are -12.45% and +23.79% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, XLE has the edge at +6.91% annualized vs -1.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.1% compared with 21.8% for EDV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -62.0% for EDV and -76.7% for XLE. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDV charges 0.05% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $8 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDV currently yields 4.83% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
EDV and XLE share 0 holdings out of 98 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EDV or XLE?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLE charges 0.08%. EDV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EDV or XLE?
Over the past year EDV returned -5.10% vs +47.31% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EDV annualized -1.49% vs +6.91% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EDV or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 21.8% for EDV. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both EDV and XLE?
EDV and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of -0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EDV and XLE?
EDV and XLE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 98 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or XLE?
EDV yields 4.83% while XLE yields 2.85%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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