VOE vs XLE
Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VOE has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOE offers more diversification with 169 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOE | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $22.9B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 177 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | +18.67% | +35.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.06% | +47.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.05% | +14.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.16% | +24.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.4% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VOE vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) 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 VOE returned +25.06% while XLE returned +47.04%. Year to date, VOE is up 18.67% versus a gain of 35.60% for XLE.
Over three years, VOE compounded at +17.05% per year against +14.53% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +10.16% and +24.28% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOE has the edge at +8.02% 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 17.6% for VOE. 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 -63.4% for VOE 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOE charges 0.05% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $8 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOE currently yields 2.31% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VOE and XLE share 13 holdings out of 178 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOE or XLE?
VOE has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLE charges 0.08%. VOE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOE or XLE?
Over the past year VOE returned +25.06% vs +47.04% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VOE annualized +8.02% vs +6.96% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOE or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 17.6% for VOE. Worst drawdown: VOE -63.4% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VOE and XLE?
VOE and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOE and XLE?
VOE and XLE share 13 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 178 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOE or XLE?
VOE yields 2.31% while XLE yields 2.85%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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