VTI vs. XLE

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) and XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index, while XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTI returned 14.93%/yr vs 9.82%/yr for XLE. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VTI charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLE.

Performance

VTI vs. XLE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VTI achieves a 9.00% return, which is significantly lower than XLE's 28.59% return. Over the past 10 years, VTI has outperformed XLE with an annualized return of 14.93%, while XLE has yielded a comparatively lower 9.82% annualized return.

VTI

• 1D: 1.75%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 9.00%
• 6M: 7.83%
• 1Y: 24.47%
• 3Y*: 20.67%
• 5Y*: 12.08%
• 10Y*: 14.93%

XLE

• 1D: -1.94%
• 1M: -0.78%
• YTD: 28.59%
• 6M: 26.16%
• 1Y: 36.64%
• 3Y*: 16.07%
• 5Y*: 19.94%
• 10Y*: 9.82%

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

VTI vs. XLE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	9.00%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	28.59%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%

Correlation

The correlation between VTI and XLE is -0.09, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.09
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 31, 2001	0.59

The correlation between VTI and XLE shifts across timeframes, from -0.09 (1 year) to 0.59 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VTI vs. XLE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTI	XLE
Technology	33.5%	-
Financial Services	12.0%	-
Communication Services	10.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	-
Industrials	9.8%	-
Healthcare	9.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.7%	-
Energy	3.7%	100.0%
Real Estate	2.4%	-
Utilities	2.3%	-
Basic Materials	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

VTI vs. XLE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 72
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 72
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 67
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 78

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 63
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 57
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

VTI vs. XLE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) 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.

	VTI	XLE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	1.79	+0.16
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.37	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.29	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	3.05	-0.30
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.38	8.57	+3.81

VTI vs. XLE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTI Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the XLE Sharpe Ratio of 1.79. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTI 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

VTI vs. XLE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTI drawdown since its inception was -55.45%, smaller than the maximum XLE drawdown of -71.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTI and XLE.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTI	XLE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-55.45%	-71.26%	+15.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.92%	-12.05%	+3.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.30%	-20.14%	+0.84%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.36%	-26.04%	+0.68%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.00%	-66.81%	+31.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.69%	-8.70%	+6.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.02%	-17.97%	+9.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.98%	4.29%	-2.31%

Volatility

VTI vs. XLE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is 4.49%, while State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a volatility of 7.22%. This indicates that VTI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VTI	XLE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.49%	7.22%	-2.73%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.83%	16.80%	-6.97%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.63%	20.60%	-7.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.47%	26.06%	-8.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.33%	29.58%	-11.25%

VTI vs. XLE - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTI has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than XLE's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTI vs. XLE - Dividend Comparison

VTI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, less than XLE's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.03%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.61%	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 VTI and XLE in my portfolio?

VTI and XLE have a correlation of -0.09, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTI or XLE?

XLE has higher volatility (7.22%) compared to VTI (4.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTI dropped -55.45% vs XLE's -71.26%.

Which ETF is better, VTI or XLE?

On 10-year performance, VTI leads with 14.93% vs 9.82% for XLE. On fees, VTI is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 4.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTI or XLE?

Over the 10-year period, VTI has performed better with a 14.93% return vs 9.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTI or XLE?

VTI is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for XLE.

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

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 1.03% for VTI.

What is the main difference between VTI and XLE?

VTI is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while XLE is Energy Equities. VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index, while XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VTI and 0.08% for XLE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VTI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.79), 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.