VTI vs XLB
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | XLB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $8.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.68% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 29 | |
| YTD Return | +14.82% | +14.86% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.43% | +18.84% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.93% | +10.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.34% | +6.17% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 20.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -60.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VTI vs XLB Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% while XLB returned +18.84%. Year to date, VTI is up 14.82% versus a gain of 14.86% for XLB.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.93% per year against +10.94% for XLB; over five years the annualized figures are +12.34% and +6.17% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +6.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI and -60.7% for XLB. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XLB charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $8 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 1.68% for XLB.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XLB share 21 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XLB?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLB charges 0.08%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or XLB?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.43% vs +18.84% for XLB, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), VTI annualized +8.16% vs +6.44% for XLB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XLB?
XLB has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XLB -60.7%.
Should I hold both VTI and XLB?
VTI and XLB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XLB?
VTI and XLB share 21 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XLB?
VTI yields 1.07% while XLB yields 1.68%, so XLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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