VOO vs XLC
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XLC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $22.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 1.32% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +13.20% | -4.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.62% | +2.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.16% | +20.71% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.42% | +7.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -46.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jun 18, 2018 |
VOO vs XLC Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLC) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VOO returned +21.62% while XLC returned +2.30%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.20% versus a loss of 4.22% for XLC.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +22.16% per year against +20.71% for XLC; over five years the annualized figures are +13.42% and +7.40% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +11.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -46.6% for XLC. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XLC 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 1.08% against 1.32% for XLC.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XLC share 23 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or XLC?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLC 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 XLC?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.62% vs +2.30% for XLC, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), VOO annualized +13.51% vs +11.05% for XLC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XLC?
XLC has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XLC -46.6%.
Should I hold both VOO and XLC?
VOO and XLC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XLC?
VOO and XLC share 23 common holdings with a 9.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XLC?
VOO yields 1.08% while XLC yields 1.32%, so XLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.