VV vs XLE
Vanguard Large-Cap ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VV has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VV offers more diversification with 431 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VV | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $52.5B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 446 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | +14.35% | +35.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.73% | +47.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.06% | +14.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | +24.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.0% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2004 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VV vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV) 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 VV returned +21.73% while XLE returned +47.04%. Year to date, VV is up 14.35% versus a gain of 35.60% for XLE.
Over three years, VV compounded at +22.06% per year against +14.53% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +12.95% and +24.28% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VV has the edge at +9.55% 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 14.8% for VV. 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 -56.0% for VV 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VV 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, VV currently yields 1.25% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VV and XLE share 19 holdings out of 434 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VV or XLE?
VV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XLE charges 0.08%. VV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VV or XLE?
Over the past year VV returned +21.73% vs +47.04% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VV annualized +9.55% vs +6.96% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VV or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 14.8% for VV. Worst drawdown: VV -56.0% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VV and XLE?
VV and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VV and XLE?
VV and XLE share 19 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 434 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VV or XLE?
VV yields 1.25% while XLE yields 2.85%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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