VUG vs XLK
Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF vs State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VUG has a lower expense ratio. XLK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VUG offers more diversification with 146 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VUG | XLK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $219.5B | $124.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.40% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 146 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | +8.22% | +27.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.86% | +42.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.18% | +30.61% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | +19.29% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 23.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.4% | -82.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VUG vs XLK Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VUG returned +16.86% while XLK returned +42.34%. Year to date, VUG is up 8.22% versus a gain of 27.34% for XLK.
Over three years, VUG compounded at +24.18% per year against +30.61% for XLK; over five years the annualized figures are +12.30% and +19.29% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VUG has the edge at +11.18% annualized vs +9.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.2% compared with 16.5% for VUG. 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 -51.4% for VUG and -82.0% for XLK. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VUG charges 0.03% per year while XLK 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, VUG currently yields 0.40% against 0.45% for XLK.
Holdings Overlap
VUG and XLK share 42 holdings out of 179 unique holdings combined, representing a 55.0% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VUG or XLK?
VUG has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLK charges 0.08%. VUG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VUG or XLK?
Over the past year VUG returned +16.86% vs +42.34% for XLK, so XLK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VUG annualized +11.18% vs +9.37% for XLK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VUG or XLK?
XLK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 16.5% for VUG. Worst drawdown: VUG -51.4% vs XLK -82.0%.
Should I hold both VUG and XLK?
VUG and XLK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 VUG and XLK?
VUG and XLK share 42 common holdings with a 55.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 179 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VUG or XLK?
VUG yields 0.40% while XLK yields 0.45%, so XLK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.