VEA vs XLF
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF vs State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VEA has a lower expense ratio. VEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEA offers more diversification with 3008 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEA | XLF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $230.9B | $56.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.57% | 1.51% | |
| Holdings | 3,918 | 80 | |
| YTD Return | +15.82% | +6.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.42% | +13.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.28% | +20.31% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.01% | +10.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -83.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2007 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VEA vs XLF Performance
Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VEA returned +29.42% while XLF returned +13.25%. Year to date, VEA is up 15.82% versus a gain of 6.14% for XLF.
Over three years, VEA compounded at +20.28% per year against +20.31% for XLF; over five years the annualized figures are +10.01% and +10.19% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, XLF has the edge at +3.70% annualized vs +3.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% compared with 17.8% for VEA. 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 -62.9% for VEA and -83.8% for XLF. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEA charges 0.03% per year while XLF 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, VEA currently yields 2.57% against 1.51% for XLF.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEA or XLF?
VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLF charges 0.08%. VEA is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEA or XLF?
Over the past year VEA returned +29.42% vs +13.25% for XLF, so VEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), VEA annualized +3.12% vs +3.70% for XLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEA or XLF?
XLF has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 17.8% for VEA. Worst drawdown: VEA -62.9% vs XLF -83.8%.
Should I hold both VEA and XLF?
VEA and XLF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEA and XLF?
VEA and XLF share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3083 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEA or XLF?
VEA yields 2.57% while XLF yields 1.51%, so VEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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