VBK vs XLE
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VBK has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 542 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | +17.71% | +27.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.45% | +40.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.91% | +13.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.29% | +23.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VBK vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) 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 VBK returned +29.45% while XLE returned +40.52%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.71% versus a gain of 27.70% for XLE.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +16.91% per year against +13.13% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +5.29% and +23.13% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +6.73%. 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 19.6% for VBK. 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 -59.4% for VBK 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK 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, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or XLE?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLE charges 0.08%. VBK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBK or XLE?
Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% vs +40.52% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBK annualized +9.41% vs +6.73% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 19.6% for VBK. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VBK and XLE?
VBK and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBK and XLE?
VBK and XLE share 2 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or XLE?
VBK yields 0.57% while XLE yields 2.85%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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