VT vs XLK
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF vs State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VT has a lower expense ratio. XLK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 10,133 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VT | XLK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $78.6B | $124.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.60% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 10,133 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | +13.22% | +27.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.66% | +41.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.10% | +30.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.20% | +19.55% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 23.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.6% | -82.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2008 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VT vs XLK Performance
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) 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 VT returned +22.66% while XLK returned +41.67%. Year to date, VT is up 13.22% versus a gain of 27.20% for XLK.
Over three years, VT compounded at +21.10% per year against +30.51% for XLK; over five years the annualized figures are +11.20% and +19.55% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, XLK has the edge at +9.37% annualized vs +7.30%. 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 16.6% for VT. 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 -50.6% for VT 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VT charges 0.06% per year while XLK charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $8 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VT currently yields 1.60% against 0.45% for XLK.
Holdings Overlap
VT and XLK share 70 holdings out of 8933 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VT or XLK?
VT has an expense ratio of 0.06% while XLK charges 0.08%. VT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VT or XLK?
Over the past year VT returned +22.66% vs +41.67% for XLK, so XLK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VT annualized +7.30% vs +9.37% for XLK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VT or XLK?
XLK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 16.6% for VT. Worst drawdown: VT -50.6% vs XLK -82.0%.
Should I hold both VT and XLK?
VT and XLK 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 VT and XLK?
VT and XLK share 70 common holdings with a 18.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8933 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VT or XLK?
VT yields 1.60% while XLK yields 0.45%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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