EDV vs XLF
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF vs State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
EDV has a lower expense ratio. XLF delivered stronger 1-year returns. EDV offers more diversification with 163 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EDV | XLF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $58.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.42% | 1.42% | |
| Holdings | 163 | 80 | |
| YTD Return | -4.05% | +6.69% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.50% | +9.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -4.48% | +20.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.62% | +10.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.9% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -83.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Dec 16, 1998 |
EDV vs XLF Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year EDV returned -2.50% while XLF returned +9.57%. Year to date, EDV is down 4.05% versus a gain of 6.69% for XLF.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -4.48% per year against +20.90% for XLF; over five years the annualized figures are -12.62% and +10.52% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, XLF has the edge at +3.71% annualized vs -1.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.9% compared with 21.4% for XLF. 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 -83.8% for XLF. 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 -0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDV charges 0.05% per year while XLF 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 5.42% against 1.42% for XLF.
Holdings Overlap
EDV and XLF share 0 holdings out of 153 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 XLF?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLF 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 XLF?
Over the past year EDV returned -2.50% vs +9.57% for XLF, so XLF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EDV annualized -1.39% vs +3.71% for XLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EDV or XLF?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.9% annualized versus 21.4% for XLF. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs XLF -83.8%.
Should I hold both EDV and XLF?
EDV and XLF have a monthly-return correlation of -0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EDV and XLF?
EDV and XLF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 153 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or XLF?
EDV yields 5.42% while XLF yields 1.42%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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