VXUS vs XLB
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XLB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $8.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 1.67% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 29 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +15.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +22.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +10.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +6.80% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 20.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -60.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VXUS vs XLB Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XLB returned +22.45%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 15.56% for XLB.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +10.41% for XLB; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +6.80% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XLB has the edge at +6.47% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS and -60.7% for XLB. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XLB 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, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 1.67% for XLB.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLB share 0 holdings out of 7888 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, VXUS or XLB?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLB charges 0.08%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XLB?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +22.45% for XLB, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +6.47% for XLB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLB?
XLB has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLB -60.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLB?
VXUS and XLB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLB?
VXUS and XLB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7888 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLB?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XLB yields 1.67%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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