VBK vs XLV
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VBK has a lower expense ratio. XLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBK offers more diversification with 542 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBK | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $24.8B | $42.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 1.60% | |
| Holdings | 561 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +17.71% | +7.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.45% | +30.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.91% | +8.89% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.29% | +6.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VBK vs XLV Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Growth ETF (VBK) 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 VBK returned +29.45% while XLV returned +30.67%. Year to date, VBK is up 17.71% versus a gain of 7.45% for XLV.
Over three years, VBK compounded at +16.91% per year against +8.89% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are +5.29% and +6.14% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VBK has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +7.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -59.4% for VBK 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBK 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, VBK currently yields 0.57% against 1.60% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
VBK and XLV share 3 holdings out of 599 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VBK or XLV?
VBK has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLV 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 XLV?
Over the past year VBK returned +29.45% vs +30.67% for XLV, so XLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VBK annualized +9.41% vs +7.42% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBK or XLV?
VBK has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.2% for XLV. Worst drawdown: VBK -59.4% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both VBK and XLV?
VBK and XLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VBK and XLV?
VBK and XLV share 3 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 599 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBK or XLV?
VBK yields 0.57% while XLV yields 1.60%, so XLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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