EDV vs XLV
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
EDV has a lower expense ratio. XLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. EDV offers more diversification with 83 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EDV | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $44.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.42% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 83 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | -5.27% | +11.33% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.45% | +26.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.69% | +10.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -12.74% | +6.60% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Dec 16, 1998 |
EDV vs XLV Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year EDV returned -1.45% while XLV returned +26.98%. Year to date, EDV is down 5.27% versus a gain of 11.33% for XLV.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -3.69% per year against +10.98% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are -12.74% and +6.60% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, XLV has the edge at +7.54% annualized vs -1.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% compared with 14.2% for XLV. 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 -40.6% for XLV. 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDV charges 0.05% per year while XLV 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 1.56% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
EDV and XLV share 0 holdings out of 137 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 XLV?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLV 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 XLV?
Over the past year EDV returned -1.45% vs +26.98% for XLV, so XLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EDV annualized -1.46% vs +7.54% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EDV or XLV?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 14.2% for XLV. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both EDV and XLV?
EDV and XLV have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EDV and XLV?
EDV and XLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 137 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or XLV?
EDV yields 5.42% while XLV yields 1.56%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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