VGT vs. XLKI

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

VGT (Vanguard Information Technology ETF) and XLKI (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) are both Technology Equities funds. VGT is passively managed, while XLKI is actively managed. Over the past year, VGT returned 39.97% vs 28.81% for XLKI. Their correlation of 0.95 means they have usually moved in the same direction. VGT charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XLKI.

Performance

VGT vs. XLKI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGT achieves a 27.80% return, which is significantly higher than XLKI's 16.47% return.

VGT

• 1D: 4.35%
• 1M: 4.81%
• 6M: 30.81%
• YTD: 27.80%
• 1Y: 39.97%
• 3Y*: 30.95%
• 5Y*: 18.95%
• 10Y*: 24.54%
• ALL TIME*: 15.14%

XLKI

• 1D: 3.82%
• 1M: 4.14%
• 6M: 15.99%
• YTD: 16.47%
• 1Y: 28.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 27.74%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	$485.01M	$516.15M	$578.25M
XLKI State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	$534.51K	$420.37K	$346.02K

VGT vs. XLKI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	27.80%	9.02%
XLKI State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	16.47%	10.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VGT and XLKI is 0.95, meaning they have usually moved in the same direction, including during past declines.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2025	0.95

The correlation between VGT and XLKI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

VGT vs. XLKI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VGT	XLKI
Technology	98.6%	99.2%
Communication Services	0.5%	0.8%
Financial Services	0.5%	99.9%
Industrials	0.4%	-
Energy	0.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

VGT vs. XLKI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VGT

VGT Risk / Return Rank: 58
VGT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
VGT Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
VGT Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VGT Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VGT Martin Ratio Rank: 51

XLKI

XLKI Risk / Return Rank: 57
XLKI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
XLKI Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
XLKI Omega Ratio Rank: 53
XLKI Calmar Ratio Rank: 65
XLKI Martin Ratio Rank: 67

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VGT vs. XLKI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLKI). 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.

	VGT	XLKI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.64	1.43	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.22	1.99	+0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.28	1.27	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.45	2.58	-0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.57	9.03	-2.46

VGT vs. XLKI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGT Sharpe Ratio is 1.64, which is comparable to the XLKI Sharpe Ratio of 1.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGT and XLKI, 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

VGT vs. XLKI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGT drawdown since its inception was -54.63%, which is greater than XLKI's maximum drawdown of -11.21%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGT and XLKI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGT	XLKI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.63%	-11.21%	-43.42%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.40%	-11.21%	-5.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.23%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.07%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.07%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.35%	-1.83%	-2.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.95%	-2.17%	-5.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.10%	3.20%	+2.90%

Volatility

VGT vs. XLKI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLKI) have volatilities of 9.26% and 9.12%, 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

	VGT	XLKI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.26%	9.12%	+0.14%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.52%	17.88%	+2.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.56%	20.25%	+4.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.92%	20.22%	+5.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.93%	20.22%	+4.71%

VGT vs. XLKI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGT has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than XLKI's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGT vs. XLKI - Dividend Comparison

VGT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.36%, less than XLKI's 18.96% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGT Vanguard Information Technology ETF	0.36%	0.40%	0.60%	0.65%	0.91%	0.64%	0.82%	1.11%	1.29%	0.99%	1.31%	1.28%
XLKI State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	18.96%	8.52%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGT and XLKI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VGT and XLKI 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, VGT or XLKI?

VGT has higher volatility (9.26%) compared to XLKI (9.12%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGT dropped -54.63% vs XLKI's -11.21%.

Which ETF is better, VGT or XLKI?

On 1-year performance, VGT leads with 39.97% vs 28.81% for XLKI. On fees, VGT is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, XLKI has been the lower-risk option at 9.12%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VGT or XLKI?

Over the 1-year period, VGT has performed better with a 39.97% return vs 28.81%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VGT or XLKI?

VGT is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XLKI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VGT or XLKI?

XLKI has the higher dividend yield at 18.96%, compared with 0.36% for VGT.

What is the main difference between VGT and XLKI?

They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VGT and 0.35% for XLKI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.64 vs 1.43), 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.