VXF vs XLE
Vanguard Extended Market ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VXF has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 3,376 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXF | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $30.5B | $40.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.03% | 2.55% | |
| Holdings | 3,376 | 24 | |
| YTD Return | +16.66% | +41.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.93% | +51.94% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.39% | +16.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.03% | +26.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.4% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 27, 2001 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VXF vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) 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 VXF returned +24.93% while XLE returned +51.94%. Year to date, VXF is up 16.66% versus a gain of 41.33% for XLE.
Over three years, VXF compounded at +20.39% per year against +16.98% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +7.03% and +26.28% respectively. Across the full 25-year window we track, VXF has the edge at +9.04% annualized vs +7.12%. 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 18.7% for VXF. 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 -59.4% for VXF 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXF charges 0.05% per year while XLE charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $8 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXF currently yields 1.03% against 2.55% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VXF and XLE share 0 holdings out of 3316 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, VXF or XLE?
VXF has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLE charges 0.08%. VXF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXF or XLE?
Over the past year VXF returned +24.93% vs +51.94% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (25 years), VXF annualized +9.04% vs +7.12% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXF or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 18.7% for VXF. Worst drawdown: VXF -59.4% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VXF and XLE?
VXF and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXF and XLE?
VXF and XLE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3316 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXF or XLE?
VXF yields 1.03% while XLE yields 2.55%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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