VTI vs XLE
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $40.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 2.55% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | +12.65% | +41.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.39% | +53.25% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.54% | +16.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.11% | +27.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VTI vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VTI returned +21.39% while XLE returned +53.25%. Year to date, VTI is up 12.65% versus a gain of 41.58% for XLE.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.54% per year against +16.74% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +12.11% and +27.23% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.1% 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 -76.7% for XLE. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XLE 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 2.55% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XLE share 21 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XLE?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLE 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 XLE?
Over the past year VTI returned +21.39% vs +53.25% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), VTI annualized +8.07% vs +7.12% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VTI and XLE?
VTI and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XLE?
VTI and XLE share 21 common holdings with a 2.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XLE?
VTI yields 1.07% while XLE yields 2.55%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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