VOO vs XLUI
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income 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 | XLUI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $26M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 12.29% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +14.48% | +5.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +5.47% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.36% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 9.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -6.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VOO vs XLUI Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLUI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VOO returned +22.02% while XLUI returned +5.47%. Year to date, VOO is up 14.48% versus a gain of 5.73% for XLUI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 9.4% for XLUI. 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 -6.8% for XLUI. 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 -0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XLUI 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 1.09% against 12.29% for XLUI.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XLUI 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 XLUI?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLUI 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 XLUI?
Over the past year VOO returned +22.02% vs +5.47% for XLUI, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VOO annualized +13.61% vs +6.82% for XLUI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XLUI?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 9.4% for XLUI. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XLUI -6.8%.
Should I hold both VOO and XLUI?
VOO and XLUI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XLUI?
VOO and XLUI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XLUI?
VOO yields 1.09% while XLUI yields 12.29%, so XLUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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