VCIT vs XLE
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VCIT has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCIT offers more diversification with 2019 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCIT | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $67.3B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.77% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 2,253 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | -0.86% | +33.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.08% | +47.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.97% | +13.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.79% | +23.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VCIT vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) 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 VCIT returned +2.08% while XLE returned +47.31%. Year to date, VCIT is down 0.86% versus a gain of 33.65% for XLE.
Over three years, VCIT compounded at +5.97% per year against +13.81% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +0.79% and +23.79% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, XLE has the edge at +6.91% annualized vs +1.72%. 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 6.0% for VCIT. 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 -20.7% for VCIT 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCIT charges 0.03% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $8 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCIT currently yields 4.77% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VCIT and XLE share 0 holdings out of 2041 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, VCIT or XLE?
VCIT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLE charges 0.08%. VCIT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCIT or XLE?
Over the past year VCIT returned +2.08% vs +47.31% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), VCIT annualized +1.72% vs +6.91% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCIT or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 6.0% for VCIT. Worst drawdown: VCIT -20.7% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VCIT and XLE?
VCIT and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCIT and XLE?
VCIT and XLE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2041 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCIT or XLE?
VCIT yields 4.77% while XLE yields 2.85%, so VCIT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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