VPU vs. XLUI

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) and XLUI (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds. VPU is passively managed, while XLUI is actively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VPU charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XLUI.

Performance

VPU vs. XLUI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VPU achieves a 8.52% return, which is significantly lower than XLUI's 9.93% return.

VPU

• 1D: 0.66%
• 1M: 1.44%
• YTD: 8.52%
• 6M: 8.11%
• 1Y: 16.97%
• 3Y*: 15.09%
• 5Y*: 10.47%
• 10Y*: 9.30%

XLUI

• 1D: 0.56%
• 1M: 2.04%
• YTD: 9.93%
• 6M: 10.09%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VPU vs. XLUI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	8.52%	2.65%
XLUI State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	9.93%	0.27%

Correlation

The correlation between VPU and XLUI is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2025	0.93

VPU vs. XLUI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VPU	XLUI
Utilities	99.3%	-
Energy	0.5%	-
Industrials	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	99.7%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

VPU vs. XLUI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 36
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 34
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 31

XLUI

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.

VPU vs. XLUI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLUI). 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.

	VPU	XLUI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.07	—	—

Drawdowns

VPU vs. XLUI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, which is greater than XLUI's maximum drawdown of -6.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and XLUI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPU	XLUI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.31%	-6.01%	-40.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.34%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.15%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.42%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.46%	-0.11%	-2.35%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-1.97%	-5.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.18%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VPU	XLUI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.22%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.47%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.42%	11.14%	+3.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.03%	11.14%	+5.89%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.14%	11.14%	+8.00%

VPU vs. XLUI - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is lower than XLUI's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VPU vs. XLUI - Dividend Comparison

VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.23%, less than XLUI's 12.23% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	3.23%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%
XLUI State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	12.23%	7.12%	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 VPU and XLUI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VPU and XLUI 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 ETF is better, VPU or XLUI?

On fees, VPU 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, VPU or XLUI?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XLUI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VPU or XLUI?

XLUI has the higher dividend yield at 12.23%, compared with 3.23% for VPU.

What is the main difference between VPU and XLUI?

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