VWIUX vs XLE
Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
XLE has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VWIUX | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $86.4B | $40.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 2.55% | |
| Holdings | 15,066 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | -1.67% | +41.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.97% | +51.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.65% | +16.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.79% | +26.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2001 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VWIUX vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund 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 VWIUX returned +0.97% while XLE returned +51.94%. Year to date, VWIUX is down 1.67% versus a gain of 41.33% for XLE.
Over three years, VWIUX compounded at +0.65% per year against +16.98% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are -1.79% and +26.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XLE has the edge at +7.12% annualized vs -1.79%. 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 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX 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 0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VWIUX charges 0.09% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $8 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VWIUX currently yields 3.13% against 2.55% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VWIUX and XLE share 0 holdings out of 1785 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VWIUX or XLE?
VWIUX has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XLE charges 0.08%. XLE is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VWIUX or XLE?
Over the past year VWIUX returned +0.97% vs +51.94% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VWIUX annualized -1.79% vs +7.12% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VWIUX or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VWIUX -16.1% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VWIUX and XLE?
VWIUX and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VWIUX and XLE?
VWIUX and XLE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1785 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VWIUX or XLE?
VWIUX yields 3.13% while XLE yields 2.55%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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