VOO vs XLB
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XLB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $8.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.67% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 29 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +14.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.63% | +19.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +10.37% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | +6.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 20.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -60.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VOO vs XLB Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VOO returned +21.63% while XLB returned +19.91%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.72% versus a gain of 14.94% for XLB.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.55% per year against +10.37% for XLB; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and +6.10% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +6.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO and -60.7% for XLB. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XLB 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, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 1.67% for XLB.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XLB share 23 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or XLB?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLB charges 0.08%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or XLB?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.63% vs +19.91% for XLB, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.56% vs +6.45% for XLB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XLB?
XLB has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XLB -60.7%.
Should I hold both VOO and XLB?
VOO and XLB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XLB?
VOO and XLB share 23 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XLB?
VOO yields 1.09% while XLB yields 1.67%, so XLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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