VEU vs XLV
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VEU has a lower expense ratio. XLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VEU offers more diversification with 3,928 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEU | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $68.4B | $43.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 3,928 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +15.44% | +13.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.32% | +29.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.13% | +11.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.93% | +6.83% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 2, 2007 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VEU vs XLV Performance
Vanguard FTSE All World Ex US ETF (VEU) 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 VEU returned +27.32% while XLV returned +29.65%. Year to date, VEU is up 15.44% versus a gain of 13.25% for XLV.
Over three years, VEU compounded at +21.13% per year against +11.30% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.93% and +6.83% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, XLV has the edge at +7.62% annualized vs +3.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -62.8% for VEU 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEU charges 0.04% per year while XLV 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 1.56% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
VEU and XLV share 0 holdings out of 2881 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, VEU or XLV?
VEU has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XLV 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 XLV?
Over the past year VEU returned +27.32% vs +29.65% for XLV, so XLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VEU annualized +3.59% vs +7.62% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEU or XLV?
VEU has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 14.2% for XLV. Worst drawdown: VEU -62.8% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both VEU and XLV?
VEU and XLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEU and XLV?
VEU and XLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2881 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEU or XLV?
VEU yields 2.55% while XLV yields 1.56%, so VEU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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