VOO vs XLEI
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. XLEI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XLEI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $57M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 18.44% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | +28.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +39.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VOO vs XLEI Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLEI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% while XLEI returned +39.96%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.25% versus a gain of 28.22% for XLEI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLEI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% 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 -8.2% for XLEI. 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 -0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XLEI charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 18.44% for XLEI.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XLEI share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or XLEI?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLEI charges 0.35%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or XLEI?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% vs +39.96% for XLEI, so XLEI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VOO annualized +13.45% vs +36.20% for XLEI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XLEI?
XLEI has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XLEI -8.2%.
Should I hold both VOO and XLEI?
VOO and XLEI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XLEI?
VOO and XLEI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XLEI?
VOO yields 1.08% while XLEI yields 18.44%, so XLEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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