VXUS vs XLE
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XLE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XLE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $38.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.85% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 25 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +27.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +40.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +13.13% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +23.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 25.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -76.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VXUS vs XLE Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) 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 VXUS returned +27.82% while XLE returned +40.52%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 27.70% for XLE.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +13.13% for XLE; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +23.13% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XLE has the edge at +6.73% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 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 -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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS 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, VXUS currently yields 2.60% against 2.85% for XLE.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLE share 0 holdings out of 7883 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 XLE?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLE 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 XLE?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +40.52% for XLE, so XLE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +6.73% for XLE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLE?
XLE has been the more volatile fund at 25.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLE -76.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLE?
VXUS and XLE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLE?
VXUS and XLE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLE?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XLE yields 2.85%, so XLE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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