VIG vs XLV
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VIG has a lower expense ratio. XLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIG offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $110.2B | $42.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 1.60% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +12.71% | +9.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.37% | +28.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.71% | +9.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.78% | +6.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VIG vs XLV Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) 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 VIG returned +19.37% while XLV returned +28.53%. Year to date, VIG is up 12.71% versus a gain of 9.20% for XLV.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +16.71% per year against +9.18% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.78% and +6.43% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.71% annualized vs +7.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIG 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, VIG currently yields 1.79% against 1.60% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and XLV share 22 holdings out of 369 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIG or XLV?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XLV charges 0.08%. VIG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIG or XLV?
Over the past year VIG returned +19.37% vs +28.53% for XLV, so XLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VIG annualized +8.71% vs +7.48% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or XLV?
XLV has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both VIG and XLV?
VIG and XLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIG and XLV?
VIG and XLV share 22 common holdings with a 17.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 369 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or XLV?
VIG yields 1.79% while XLV yields 1.60%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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