VTI vs XLY
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF vs State Street Consumer Discretionary 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 | XLY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $666.9B | $23.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 0.78% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 50 | |
| YTD Return | +13.14% | +0.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.35% | +5.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.83% | +13.66% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | +6.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 19.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -60.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VTI vs XLY Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLY) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% while XLY returned +5.15%. Year to date, VTI is up 13.14% versus a gain of 0.12% for XLY.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +21.83% per year against +13.66% for XLY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and +6.46% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, XLY has the edge at +8.56% annualized vs +8.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -60.1% for XLY. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while XLY 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 0.78% for XLY.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and XLY share 43 holdings out of 2792 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTI or XLY?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLY 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 XLY?
Over the past year VTI returned +22.35% vs +5.15% for XLY, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), VTI annualized +8.09% vs +8.56% for XLY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or XLY?
XLY has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs XLY -60.1%.
Should I hold both VTI and XLY?
VTI and XLY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VTI and XLY?
VTI and XLY share 43 common holdings with a 8.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or XLY?
VTI yields 1.07% while XLY yields 0.78%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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