VXUS vs XLU
VXUS vs XLU
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF vs State Street Utilities 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 | XLU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $156.5B | $23.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 2.64% | |
| Holdings | 8,747 | 34 | |
| YTD Return | +14.57% | +2.35% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.82% | +3.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.27% | +14.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.28% | +8.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -55.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2011 | Dec 16, 1998 |
VXUS vs XLU Performance
Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% while XLU returned +3.59%. Year to date, VXUS is up 14.57% versus a gain of 2.35% for XLU.
Over three years, VXUS compounded at +19.27% per year against +14.10% for XLU; over five years the annualized figures are +9.28% and +8.51% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +4.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -55.7% for XLU. 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VXUS charges 0.05% per year while XLU 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 XLU.
Holdings Overlap
VXUS and XLU share 1 holdings out of 7892 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VXUS | Weight in XLU | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 0.00% | 4.28% | 4.28% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VXUS or XLU?
VXUS has an expense ratio of 0.05% while XLU 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 XLU?
Over the past year VXUS returned +27.82% vs +3.59% for XLU, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VXUS annualized +4.86% vs +4.59% for XLU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VXUS or XLU?
XLU has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: VXUS -39.9% vs XLU -55.7%.
Should I hold both VXUS and XLU?
VXUS and XLU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VXUS and XLU?
VXUS and XLU share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7892 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VXUS or XLU?
VXUS yields 2.60% while XLU yields 2.64%, so XLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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