VPU vs. XLV

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) and XLV (State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, while XLV is a Health & Biotech Equities fund tracking the Health Care Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VPU returned 9.30%/yr vs 10.40%/yr for XLV. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VPU charges 0.09%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLV.

Performance

VPU vs. XLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV). 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 higher than XLV's 1.39% return. Over the past 10 years, VPU has underperformed XLV with an annualized return of 9.30%, while XLV has yielded a comparatively higher 10.40% annualized 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%

XLV

• 1D: 1.49%
• 1M: 5.26%
• YTD: 1.39%
• 6M: 0.74%
• 1Y: 18.26%
• 3Y*: 7.63%
• 5Y*: 6.07%
• 10Y*: 10.40%

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

VPU vs. XLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	8.52%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%
XLV State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.39%	14.50%	2.47%	2.07%	-2.08%	26.04%	13.30%	20.45%	6.28%	21.77%

Correlation

The correlation between VPU and XLV is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.36
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.42
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.48

Over the past year, the correlation between VPU and XLV has dropped to 0.24 - well below their long-term average of 0.48, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VPU vs. XLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VPU	XLV
Utilities	99.3%	-
Energy	0.5%	-
Industrials	0.2%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	100.0%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

VPU vs. XLV — 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

XLV

XLV Risk / Return Rank: 37
XLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 38
XLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
XLV Omega Ratio Rank: 35
XLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
XLV Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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. XLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV). 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	XLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.19	1.21	-0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	1.91	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.21	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	1.75	+0.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.07	4.13	-0.06

VPU vs. XLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VPU Sharpe Ratio is 1.19, which is comparable to the XLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.21. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VPU and XLV, 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

VPU vs. XLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VPU drawdown since its inception was -46.31%, which is greater than XLV's maximum drawdown of -39.17%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VPU and XLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	VPU	XLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.31%	-39.17%	-7.14%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-10.47%	+1.57%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.34%	-17.11%	-0.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.15%	-17.11%	-8.04%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.42%	-28.40%	-8.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.46%	-2.02%	-0.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.78%	-7.11%	-0.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.18%	4.43%	-0.25%

Volatility

VPU vs. XLV - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLV) have volatilities of 5.22% and 5.25%, 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

	VPU	XLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.22%	5.25%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.47%	10.76%	+0.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.42%	15.13%	-0.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.03%	14.79%	+2.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.14%	16.57%	+2.57%

VPU vs. XLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

VPU has a 0.09% expense ratio, which is higher than XLV'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

VPU vs. XLV - Dividend Comparison

VPU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.23%, more than XLV's 1.63% 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%
XLV State Street Health Care Select Sector SPDR ETF	1.63%	1.60%	1.67%	1.59%	1.47%	1.33%	1.49%	2.17%	1.57%	1.47%	1.60%	1.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VPU and XLV in my portfolio?

VPU and XLV have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VPU or XLV?

XLV has higher volatility (5.25%) compared to VPU (5.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VPU dropped -46.31% vs XLV's -39.17%.

Which ETF is better, VPU or XLV?

On 10-year performance, XLV leads with 10.40% vs 9.30% for VPU. On fees, XLV is cheaper at 0.08% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VPU or XLV?

Over the 10-year period, XLV has performed better with a 10.40% return vs 9.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VPU or XLV?

XLV is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for VPU.

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

VPU has the higher dividend yield at 3.23%, compared with 1.63% for XLV.

What is the main difference between VPU and XLV?

VPU is categorized as Utilities Equities, while XLV is Health & Biotech Equities. VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index, while XLV tracks Health Care Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.09% for VPU and 0.08% for XLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.21 vs 1.19), 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.