VGK vs XLV
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VGK has a lower expense ratio. XLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGK offers more diversification with 1,251 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGK | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $30.5B | $43.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.82% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 1,251 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +10.81% | +11.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.44% | +27.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.94% | +10.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.55% | +6.55% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 4, 2005 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VGK vs XLV Performance
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) 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 VGK returned +19.44% while XLV returned +27.56%. Year to date, VGK is up 10.81% versus a gain of 11.80% for XLV.
Over three years, VGK compounded at +18.94% per year against +10.70% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are +9.55% and +6.55% respectively. Across the full 21-year window we track, XLV has the edge at +7.57% annualized vs +3.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -67.3% for VGK 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
VGK charges 0.06% per year while XLV charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $8 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGK currently yields 2.82% against 1.56% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
VGK and XLV share 0 holdings out of 1237 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, VGK or XLV?
VGK has an expense ratio of 0.06% while XLV charges 0.08%. VGK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGK or XLV?
Over the past year VGK returned +19.44% vs +27.56% for XLV, so XLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (21 years), VGK annualized +3.67% vs +7.57% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGK or XLV?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 14.2% for XLV. Worst drawdown: VGK -67.3% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both VGK and XLV?
VGK 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 VGK and XLV?
VGK and XLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1237 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGK or XLV?
VGK yields 2.82% while XLV yields 1.56%, so VGK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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