VT vs XLV
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF vs State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VT has a lower expense ratio. XLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 10,133 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VT | XLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $78.6B | $44.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.60% | 1.56% | |
| Holdings | 10,133 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +12.78% | +11.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.06% | +26.98% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.16% | +10.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.46% | +6.60% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.6% | -40.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2008 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VT vs XLV Performance
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VT returned +22.06% while XLV returned +26.98%. Year to date, VT is up 12.78% versus a gain of 11.33% for XLV.
Over three years, VT compounded at +20.16% per year against +10.98% for XLV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.46% and +6.60% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, XLV has the edge at +7.54% annualized vs +7.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 14.2% for XLV. 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 -40.6% for XLV. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VT charges 0.06% per year while XLV 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 1.56% for XLV.
Holdings Overlap
VT and XLV share 57 holdings out of 9276 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VT or XLV?
VT has an expense ratio of 0.06% while XLV 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 XLV?
Over the past year VT returned +22.06% vs +26.98% for XLV, so XLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VT annualized +7.27% vs +7.54% for XLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VT or XLV?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.2% for XLV. Worst drawdown: VT -50.6% vs XLV -40.6%.
Should I hold both VT and XLV?
VT and XLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VT and XLV?
VT and XLV share 57 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9276 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VT or XLV?
VT yields 1.60% while XLV yields 1.56%, so VT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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