VWIUX vs XLK
Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class vs State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
XLK has a lower expense ratio. XLK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VWIUX | XLK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $86.4B | $124.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 15,066 | 77 | |
| YTD Return | -1.74% | +26.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.74% | +39.55% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.70% | +29.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.79% | +19.10% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 23.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.0% | -82.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2001 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VWIUX vs XLK Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund 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 VWIUX returned +0.74% while XLK returned +39.55%. Year to date, VWIUX is down 1.74% versus a gain of 26.25% for XLK.
Over three years, VWIUX compounded at +0.70% per year against +29.74% for XLK; over five years the annualized figures are -1.79% and +19.10% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XLK has the edge at +9.34% annualized vs -1.79%. 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 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 -16.0% for VWIUX 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VWIUX charges 0.09% per year while XLK 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 0.45% for XLK.
Holdings Overlap
VWIUX and XLK share 0 holdings out of 1838 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 XLK?
VWIUX has an expense ratio of 0.09% while XLK charges 0.08%. XLK is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VWIUX or XLK?
Over the past year VWIUX returned +0.74% vs +39.55% for XLK, so XLK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VWIUX annualized -1.79% vs +9.34% for XLK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VWIUX or XLK?
XLK has been the more volatile fund at 23.2% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VWIUX -16.0% vs XLK -82.0%.
Should I hold both VWIUX and XLK?
VWIUX and XLK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VWIUX and XLK?
VWIUX and XLK share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1838 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VWIUX or XLK?
VWIUX yields 3.13% while XLK yields 0.45%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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