VOT vs XLK
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF vs State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VOT has a lower expense ratio. XLK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOT offers more diversification with 129 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOT | XLK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $19.1B | $124.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.62% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | +8.96% | +27.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.44% | +42.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.15% | +30.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.39% | +19.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 23.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -82.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VOT vs XLK Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VOT returned +8.44% while XLK returned +42.34%. Year to date, VOT is up 8.96% versus a gain of 27.34% for XLK.
Over three years, VOT compounded at +16.15% per year against +30.61% for XLK; over five years the annualized figures are +5.39% and +19.29% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.59% annualized vs +9.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.2% compared with 18.5% for VOT. 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 -60.3% for VOT and -82.0% for XLK. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOT charges 0.05% per year while XLK 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, VOT currently yields 0.62% against 0.45% for XLK.
Holdings Overlap
VOT and XLK share 18 holdings out of 178 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOT or XLK?
VOT has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLK charges 0.08%. VOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOT or XLK?
Over the past year VOT returned +8.44% vs +42.34% for XLK, so XLK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VOT annualized +9.59% vs +9.37% for XLK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOT or XLK?
XLK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 18.5% for VOT. Worst drawdown: VOT -60.3% vs XLK -82.0%.
Should I hold both VOT and XLK?
VOT and XLK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOT and XLK?
VOT and XLK share 18 common holdings with a 8.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 178 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOT or XLK?
VOT yields 0.62% while XLK yields 0.45%, so VOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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