VAW vs. XLB

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VAW (Vanguard Materials ETF) and XLB (Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Materials funds - VAW tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Materials 25/50 Index while XLB tracks the Materials Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VAW returned 10.46%/yr vs 10.44%/yr for XLB. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VAW charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLB.

Performance

VAW vs. XLB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VAW achieves a 11.07% return, which is significantly lower than XLB's 13.09% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VAW having a 10.46% annualized return and XLB not far behind at 10.44%.

VAW

• 1D: -1.83%
• 1M: 0.83%
• YTD: 11.07%
• 6M: 9.68%
• 1Y: 20.68%
• 3Y*: 11.22%
• 5Y*: 6.68%
• 10Y*: 10.46%

XLB

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: 1.53%
• YTD: 13.09%
• 6M: 12.10%
• 1Y: 19.16%
• 3Y*: 10.60%
• 5Y*: 6.47%
• 10Y*: 10.44%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

VAW vs. XLB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VAW Vanguard Materials ETF	11.07%	12.30%	0.48%	13.67%	-11.80%	27.43%	19.44%	23.53%	-17.49%	23.76%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	13.09%	9.94%	0.15%	12.46%	-12.30%	27.44%	20.46%	24.13%	-14.88%	24.01%

Correlation

The correlation between VAW and XLB is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.98

The correlation between VAW and XLB has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VAW vs. XLB - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VAW	XLB
Basic Materials	90.1%	87.3%
Consumer Cyclical	8.3%	12.7%
Industrials	1.1%	1.5%
Healthcare	0.5%	-
Technology	0.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VAW vs. XLB — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VAW

VAW Risk / Return Rank: 32
VAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
VAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
VAW Omega Ratio Rank: 30
VAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
VAW Martin Ratio Rank: 34

XLB

XLB Risk / Return Rank: 31
XLB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
XLB Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
XLB Omega Ratio Rank: 29
XLB Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
XLB Martin Ratio Rank: 33

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

VAW vs. XLB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) and Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	VAW	XLB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	1.10	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.65	1.64	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.19	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.55	1.55	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.90	4.73	+0.17

VAW vs. XLB - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VAW Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is comparable to the XLB Sharpe Ratio of 1.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VAW and XLB, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VAW vs. XLB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VAW drawdown since its inception was -62.17%, roughly equal to the maximum XLB drawdown of -59.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VAW and XLB.

Drawdown Indicators

	VAW	XLB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.17%	-59.83%	-2.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.42%	-12.38%	-1.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.21%	-23.17%	-0.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.50%	-24.72%	-0.78%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.13%	-37.27%	-3.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.58%	-4.35%	-1.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.62%	-10.82%	+1.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.23%	4.06%	+0.17%

Volatility

VAW vs. XLB - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) has a higher volatility of 6.78% compared to Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) at 6.15%. This indicates that VAW's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLB based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VAW	XLB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.78%	6.15%	+0.63%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.86%	13.64%	+1.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.50%	17.51%	+0.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.72%	19.02%	+0.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.23%	20.67%	+0.56%

VAW vs. XLB - Expense Ratio Comparison

VAW has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than XLB's 0.13% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VAW vs. XLB - Dividend Comparison

VAW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.39%, less than XLB's 1.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VAW Vanguard Materials ETF	1.39%	1.55%	1.70%	1.72%	1.98%	1.44%	1.67%	1.94%	2.03%	1.63%	1.67%	2.30%
XLB Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.67%	1.92%	1.92%	2.00%	2.26%	1.62%	1.72%	1.98%	2.20%	1.66%	1.95%	2.24%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VAW and XLB in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VAW and XLB move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VAW or XLB?

VAW has higher volatility (6.78%) compared to XLB (6.15%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VAW dropped -62.17% vs XLB's -59.83%.

Which ETF is better, VAW or XLB?

On 10-year performance, VAW leads with 10.46% vs 10.44% for XLB. On fees, VAW is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, XLB has been the lower-risk option at 6.15%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VAW or XLB?

Over the 10-year period, VAW has performed better with a 10.46% return vs 10.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VAW or XLB?

VAW is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for XLB.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VAW or XLB?

XLB has the higher dividend yield at 1.67%, compared with 1.39% for VAW.

What is the main difference between VAW and XLB?

VAW tracks MSCI US Investable Market Materials 25/50 Index, while XLB tracks Materials Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VAW and 0.13% for XLB.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VAW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs 1.10), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.