VDE vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - VDE tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index while XLE tracks the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VDE returned 8.97%/yr vs 9.49%/yr for XLE. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VDE charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

VDE vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VDE having a 25.21% return and XLE slightly lower at 25.06%. Over the past 10 years, VDE has underperformed XLE with an annualized return of 8.97%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively higher 9.49% annualized return.

VDE

• 1D: -3.44%
• 1M: -6.90%
• YTD: 25.21%
• 6M: 24.92%
• 1Y: 30.50%
• 3Y*: 15.31%
• 5Y*: 18.92%
• 10Y*: 8.97%

XLE

• 1D: -3.48%
• 1M: -6.54%
• YTD: 25.06%
• 6M: 24.78%
• 1Y: 30.16%
• 3Y*: 14.85%
• 5Y*: 19.05%
• 10Y*: 9.49%

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

VDE vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	25.21%	7.11%	6.75%	0.03%	62.89%	56.31%	-33.02%	9.28%	-19.95%	-2.50%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	25.06%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between VDE and XLE is 0.99 - 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	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.00
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	1.00
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2004	0.99

The correlation between VDE and XLE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

VDE vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VDE	XLE
Energy	99.5%	100.0%
Basic Materials	0.4%	-
Industrials	0.1%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VDE vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 47
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 41
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 47

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 46
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 41
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

VDE vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE). 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.

	VDE	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	1.46	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.99	1.97	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.24	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.60	2.51	+0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.16	6.91	+0.25

VDE vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VDE and XLE, 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

VDE vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VDE drawdown since its inception was -74.20%, roughly equal to the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDE and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDE	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.20%	-71.26%	-2.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.80%	-12.05%	+0.25%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.41%	-20.14%	-1.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.58%	-26.04%	-0.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-69.29%	-66.81%	-2.48%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.41%	-11.21%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.94%	-17.97%	-1.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.27%	4.38%	-0.11%

Volatility

VDE vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) have volatilities of 7.89% and 8.02%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VDE	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.89%	8.02%	-0.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.98%	17.19%	-0.21%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.74%	20.86%	-0.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.49%	26.10%	+0.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.96%	29.61%	+0.35%

VDE vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

VDE has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VDE vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

VDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.51%, less than XLE's 2.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.51%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.69%	3.28%	3.36%	3.55%	3.68%	4.21%	5.62%	6.72%	3.54%	3.03%	2.26%	3.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VDE and XLE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VDE and XLE 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, VDE or XLE?

XLE has higher volatility (8.02%) compared to VDE (7.89%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VDE dropped -74.20% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, VDE or XLE?

On 10-year performance, XLE leads with 9.49% vs 8.97% for VDE. On fees, XLE is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, VDE has been the lower-risk option at 7.89%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VDE or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, XLE has performed better with a 9.49% return vs 8.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDE or XLE?

XLE is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for VDE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VDE or XLE?

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.69%, compared with 2.51% for VDE.

What is the main difference between VDE and XLE?

VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VDE and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.46), 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.