VEU vs XLE
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VEU has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 3,928 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEU | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $68.4B | $40.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 2.55% | |
| Holdings | 3,928 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | +41.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.77% | +53.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.75% | +16.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.98% | +27.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2007 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VEU vs XLE Performance
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) 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 VEU returned +25.77% while XLE returned +53.25%. Year to date, VEU is up 14.50% versus a gain of 41.58% for XLE.
Over three years, VEU compounded at +20.75% per year against +16.74% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +9.98% and +27.23% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, XLE has the edge at +7.12% annualized vs +3.55%. 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 17.7% for VEU. 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 -62.8% for VEU 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEU charges 0.04% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $8 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEU currently yields 2.55% against 2.55% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VEU and XLE share 1 holdings out of 2842 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VEU | Weight in XLE | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SLB | 0.90% | 4.46% | 3.56% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEU or XLE?
VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XLE charges 0.08%. VEU is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEU or XLE?
Over the past year VEU returned +25.77% vs +53.25% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VEU annualized +3.55% vs +7.12% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEU or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 17.7% for VEU. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VEU and XLE?
VEU and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEU and XLE?
VEU and XLE share 1 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2842 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or XLE?
VEU yields 2.55% while XLE yields 2.55%, so VEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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