VTI vs XLFI
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR Premium Income 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 | XLFI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $8M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 11.24% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +5.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +10.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 9.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -11.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VTI vs XLFI Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Financial Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLFI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while XLFI returned +10.81%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 5.40% for XLFI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 9.3% for XLFI. 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 -11.9% for XLFI. 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XLFI 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 11.24% for XLFI.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XLFI 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 XLFI?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLFI 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 XLFI?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +10.81% for XLFI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +10.74% for XLFI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XLFI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 9.3% for XLFI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XLFI -11.9%.
Should I hold both VTI and XLFI?
VTI and XLFI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XLFI?
VTI and XLFI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XLFI?
VTI yields 1.07% while XLFI yields 11.24%, so XLFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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