VOE vs XLF
Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF vs State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VOE has a lower expense ratio. VOE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOE offers more diversification with 177 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOE | XLF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $22.9B | $56.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 1.51% | |
| Holdings | 177 | 80 | |
| YTD Return | +18.67% | +6.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.06% | +12.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.05% | +20.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.16% | +10.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 21.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.4% | -83.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VOE vs XLF Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap Value ETF (VOE) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLF) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VOE returned +25.06% while XLF returned +12.14%. Year to date, VOE is up 18.67% versus a gain of 6.98% for XLF.
Over three years, VOE compounded at +17.05% per year against +20.59% for XLF; over five years the annualized figures are +10.16% and +10.49% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOE has the edge at +8.02% annualized vs +3.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -83.8% for XLF. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOE charges 0.05% per year while XLF 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 1.51% for XLF.
Holdings Overlap
VOE and XLF share 32 holdings out of 214 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOE or XLF?
VOE has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLF 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 XLF?
Over the past year VOE returned +25.06% vs +12.14% for XLF, so VOE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VOE annualized +8.02% vs +3.73% for XLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOE or XLF?
XLF has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 17.6% for VOE. Worst drawdown: VOE -63.4% vs XLF -83.8%.
Should I hold both VOE and XLF?
VOE and XLF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOE and XLF?
VOE and XLF share 32 common holdings with a 14.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 214 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOE or XLF?
VOE yields 2.31% while XLF yields 1.51%, so VOE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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