VTI vs XLRE
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street Real Estate 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 | XLRE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $8.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 3.12% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +13.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.29% | +11.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.42% | +10.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.00% | +2.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -39.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Oct 7, 2015 |
VTI vs XLRE Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLRE) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VTI returned +20.29% while XLRE returned +11.03%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 13.40% for XLRE.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.42% per year against +10.80% for XLRE; over five years the annualized figures are +12.00% and +2.79% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.08% annualized vs +5.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLRE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -39.3% for XLRE. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XLRE 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 3.12% for XLRE.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XLRE share 26 holdings out of 2793 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XLRE?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLRE 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 XLRE?
Over the past year VTI returned +20.29% vs +11.03% for XLRE, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VTI annualized +8.08% vs +5.51% for XLRE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XLRE?
XLRE has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XLRE -39.3%.
Should I hold both VTI and XLRE?
VTI and XLRE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XLRE?
VTI and XLRE share 26 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XLRE?
VTI yields 1.07% while XLRE yields 3.12%, so XLRE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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