VO vs XLE
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VO has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VO offers more diversification with 279 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VO | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $105.9B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | +14.37% | +35.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.39% | +49.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.44% | +14.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.03% | +23.91% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VO vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) 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 VO returned +19.39% while XLE returned +49.15%. Year to date, VO is up 14.37% versus a gain of 35.31% for XLE.
Over three years, VO compounded at +16.44% per year against +14.47% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +8.03% and +23.91% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.23% annualized vs +6.96%. 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 16.9% for VO. 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 -60.3% for VO 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VO charges 0.03% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $8 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VO currently yields 1.53% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VO and XLE share 15 holdings out of 286 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VO or XLE?
VO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLE charges 0.08%. VO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VO or XLE?
Over the past year VO returned +19.39% vs +49.15% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VO annualized +9.23% vs +6.96% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VO or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 16.9% for VO. Worst drawdown: VO -60.3% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VO and XLE?
VO and XLE 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 VO and XLE?
VO and XLE share 15 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 286 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VO or XLE?
VO yields 1.53% while XLE yields 2.85%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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