VTI vs XLEI
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. XLEI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | XLEI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $57M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 18.44% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +27.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +39.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VTI vs XLEI Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLEI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while XLEI returned +39.14%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 27.89% for XLEI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 14.2% for XLEI. 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 -8.2% for XLEI. 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 -0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XLEI charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 18.44% for XLEI.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XLEI share 0 holdings out of 2788 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XLEI?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLEI charges 0.35%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or XLEI?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +39.14% for XLEI, so XLEI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +35.78% for XLEI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XLEI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.2% for XLEI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XLEI -8.2%.
Should I hold both VTI and XLEI?
VTI and XLEI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XLEI?
VTI and XLEI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XLEI?
VTI yields 1.07% while XLEI yields 18.44%, so XLEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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