VIITX vs XLK
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class vs State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VIITX has a lower expense ratio. XLK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIITX offers more diversification with 2,599 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIITX | XLK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.02% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | - | $124.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.59% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 2,599 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | -1.99% | +27.34% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.44% | +42.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.70% | +30.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.33% | +19.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 23.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.0% | -82.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 1997 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VIITX vs XLK Performance
Vanguard Institutional Intermediate Term Bond Fund Institutional Plus Class (VIITX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VIITX returned -1.44% while XLK returned +42.34%. Year to date, VIITX is down 1.99% versus a gain of 27.34% for XLK.
Over three years, VIITX compounded at +0.70% per year against +30.61% for XLK; over five years the annualized figures are -2.33% and +19.29% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XLK has the edge at +9.37% annualized vs -2.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.2% compared with 4.2% for VIITX. 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 -15.0% for VIITX and -82.0% for XLK. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIITX charges 0.02% per year while XLK charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $2 vs $8 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIITX currently yields 4.59% against 0.45% for XLK.
Holdings Overlap
VIITX and XLK share 0 holdings out of 1260 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, VIITX or XLK?
VIITX has an expense ratio of 0.02% while XLK charges 0.08%. VIITX is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIITX or XLK?
Over the past year VIITX returned -1.44% vs +42.34% for XLK, so XLK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VIITX annualized -2.33% vs +9.37% for XLK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIITX or XLK?
XLK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 4.2% for VIITX. Worst drawdown: VIITX -15.0% vs XLK -82.0%.
Should I hold both VIITX and XLK?
VIITX and XLK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VIITX and XLK?
VIITX and XLK share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1260 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIITX or XLK?
VIITX yields 4.59% while XLK yields 0.45%, so VIITX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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