VTV vs XLE
Vanguard Value ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VTV has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTV offers more diversification with 308 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTV | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $186.1B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.29% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 311 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | +18.99% | +35.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.20% | +47.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.75% | +14.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.47% | +24.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.3% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VTV vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) 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 VTV returned +28.20% while XLE returned +47.04%. Year to date, VTV is up 18.99% versus a gain of 35.60% for XLE.
Over three years, VTV compounded at +18.75% per year against +14.53% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +12.47% and +24.28% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VTV has the edge at +7.64% annualized vs +6.96%. 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 14.5% for VTV. 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 -61.3% for VTV 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTV 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, VTV currently yields 2.29% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VTV and XLE share 17 holdings out of 313 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTV or XLE?
VTV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLE charges 0.08%. VTV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTV or XLE?
Over the past year VTV returned +28.20% vs +47.04% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VTV annualized +7.64% vs +6.96% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTV or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 14.5% for VTV. Worst drawdown: VTV -61.3% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VTV and XLE?
VTV and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTV and XLE?
VTV and XLE share 17 common holdings with a 6.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 313 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTV or XLE?
VTV yields 2.29% while XLE yields 2.85%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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