VOX vs. XLKI

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) and XLKI (State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOX is a Communications Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Communication Services 25/50 Index, while XLKI is a Technology Equities fund actively managed by State Street. VOX is passively managed, while XLKI is actively managed. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VOX charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XLKI.

Performance

VOX vs. XLKI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) 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, VOX achieves a -0.87% return, which is significantly lower than XLKI's 14.01% return.

VOX

• 1D: 0.17%
• 1M: 2.21%
• 6M: -1.47%
• YTD: -0.87%
• 1Y: 13.16%
• 3Y*: 21.57%
• 5Y*: 7.14%
• 10Y*: 8.14%

XLKI

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: 0.80%
• 6M: 12.06%
• YTD: 14.01%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VOX vs. XLKI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	-0.87%	13.87%
XLKI State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	14.01%	10.02%

Correlation

The correlation between VOX and XLKI is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2025	0.49

Return for Risk

VOX vs. XLKI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOX

VOX Risk / Return Rank: 27
VOX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
VOX Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VOX Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VOX Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VOX Martin Ratio Rank: 29

XLKI

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

VOX vs. XLKI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) 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.

	VOX	XLKI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.82	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.27	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.98	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.20	—	—

Drawdowns

VOX vs. XLKI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOX drawdown since its inception was -57.18%, which is greater than XLKI's maximum drawdown of -10.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOX and XLKI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOX	XLKI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.18%	-10.24%	-46.94%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.56%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-46.76%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.76%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.20%	-3.91%	-0.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.88%	-1.91%	-9.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.12%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VOX	XLKI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.22%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.60%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.14%	19.18%	-3.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.31%	19.18%	+2.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.94%	19.18%	+1.76%

VOX vs. XLKI - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

VOX vs. XLKI - Dividend Comparison

VOX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than XLKI's 17.38% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF	1.03%	0.95%	1.05%	1.03%	0.88%	0.93%	0.73%	0.90%	2.77%	3.83%	2.67%	3.55%
XLKI State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	17.38%	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 VOX and XLKI in my portfolio?

VOX and XLKI have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VOX or XLKI?

On fees, VOX is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOX or XLKI?

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

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

XLKI has the higher dividend yield at 17.38%, compared with 1.03% for VOX.

What is the main difference between VOX and XLKI?

VOX is categorized as Communications Equities, while XLKI is Technology Equities. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VOX and 0.35% for XLKI.