VXUS vs XLB
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF
Which is better, VXUS or XLB?
Each has led over a different period.
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, XLB over the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XLB |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.08% |
| AUM | $158.1B | $8.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.51% | 1.61% |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 29 |
| YTD Return | +14.94%Best | +10.46% |
| 1Y Return | +21.99%Best | +13.33% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.89%Best | +10.52% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.48%Best | +6.78% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0%Best | 18.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9%Best | -40.2% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,728Best | $13,882 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 16, 1998 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 28, 2011 to Sep 22, 2026 (15.6 years).
VXUS vs XLB growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.6 years both funds cover.
VXUS vs XLB Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) is an ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VXUS returned +21.99% while XLB returned +13.33%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.94% versus a gain of 10.46% for XLB.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +20.89% per year against +10.52% for XLB; over five years the annualized figures are +9.48% and +6.78% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XLB has the edge at +7.22% annualized vs +4.84%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% compared with 15.0% 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 -40.2% for XLB. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. 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 2.51% against 1.61% for XLB.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 8,082 holdings in VXUS and 26 in XLB, totalling 88.8% and 99.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 8,082 positions we hold weights for in VXUS and 26 in XLB, against full books of 8,747 and 29.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VXUS and XLB you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $3 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VXUS or XLB?
Over the past year VXUS returned +21.99% vs +13.33% for XLB, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.84% vs +7.22% for XLB. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLB?
XLB has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 15.0% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLB -40.2%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLB?
VXUS and XLB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLB?
VXUS yields 2.51% while XLB yields 1.61%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XLB better than VXUS?
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, XLB over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.