VXUS vs XLEI
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. XLEI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VXUS | XLEI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $158.1B | $57M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 18.44% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.56% | +28.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.30% | +40.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.24% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.37% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VXUS vs XLEI Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLEI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VXUS returned +24.30% while XLEI returned +40.96%. Year to date, VXUS is up 13.56% versus a gain of 28.22% for XLEI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 14.2% for XLEI. 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 -8.2% for XLEI. 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 -0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XLEI charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $35 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VXUS currently yields 2.59% against 18.44% for XLEI.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLEI share 0 holdings out of 7870 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 XLEI?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLEI charges 0.35%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VXUS or XLEI?
Over the past year VXUS returned +24.30% vs +40.96% for XLEI, so XLEI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VXUS annualized +4.79% vs +36.42% for XLEI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLEI?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.2% for XLEI. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLEI -8.2%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLEI?
VXUS and XLEI have a monthly-return correlation of -0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLEI?
VXUS and XLEI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLEI?
VXUS yields 2.59% while XLEI yields 18.44%, so XLEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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