VDIGX vs XLV
Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
XLV has a lower expense ratio. XLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. XLV offers more diversification with 60 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VDIGX | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.22% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $36.4B | $42.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 1.60% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | -0.30% | +9.24% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.13% | +30.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.20% | +9.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.00% | +6.57% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.6% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 1992 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VDIGX vs XLV Performance
Vanguard Dividend Growth Fund Investor Class (VDIGX) is a mutual fund 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 VDIGX returned -9.13% while XLV returned +30.64%. Year to date, VDIGX is down 0.30% versus a gain of 9.24% for XLV.
Over three years, VDIGX compounded at -3.20% per year against +9.20% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are -3.00% and +6.57% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XLV has the edge at +7.48% annualized vs -3.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VDIGX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -32.6% for VDIGX 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VDIGX charges 0.22% per year while XLV charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $22 vs $8 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VDIGX currently yields 1.87% against 1.60% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
VDIGX and XLV share 8 holdings out of 99 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VDIGX or XLV?
VDIGX has an expense ratio of 0.22% while XLV charges 0.08%. XLV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VDIGX or XLV?
Over the past year VDIGX returned -9.13% vs +30.64% for XLV, so XLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VDIGX annualized -3.00% vs +7.48% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VDIGX or XLV?
VDIGX has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.2% for XLV. Worst drawdown: VDIGX -32.6% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both VDIGX and XLV?
VDIGX and XLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VDIGX and XLV?
VDIGX and XLV share 8 common holdings with a 15.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 99 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VDIGX or XLV?
VDIGX yields 1.87% while XLV yields 1.60%, so VDIGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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