VXUS vs XLP
VXUS vs XLP
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Consumer Staples 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 | XLP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $14.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.64% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 39 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +10.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +6.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +7.32% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +6.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 12.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -37.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VXUS vs XLP Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XLP returned +6.37%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 10.95% for XLP.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +7.32% for XLP; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +6.42% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +4.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 12.5% for XLP. 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 -37.8% for XLP. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XLP 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 2.64% for XLP.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XLP?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLP 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 XLP?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +6.37% for XLP, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +4.86% for XLP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLP?
VXUS has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 12.5% for XLP. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLP -37.8%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLP?
VXUS and XLP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLP?
VXUS and XLP share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLP?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XLP yields 2.64%, so XLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.