VTI vs XLC
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street Communication Services 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 | XLC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $22.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.32% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | -4.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +2.80% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +20.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | +6.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 19.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -46.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jun 18, 2018 |
VTI vs XLC Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLC) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while XLC returned +2.80%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a loss of 4.15% for XLC.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +20.72% for XLC; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and +6.98% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, XLC has the edge at +11.05% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% compared with 15.3% 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 -46.6% for XLC. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XLC 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 1.32% for XLC.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XLC share 22 holdings out of 2789 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XLC?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLC 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 XLC?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +2.80% for XLC, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +11.05% for XLC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XLC?
XLC has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XLC -46.6%.
Should I hold both VTI and XLC?
VTI and XLC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XLC?
VTI and XLC share 22 common holdings with a 8.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XLC?
VTI yields 1.07% while XLC yields 1.32%, so XLC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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