VXUS vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VXUS returned 10.05%/yr vs 9.14%/yr for XLU. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VXUS charges 0.05%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

VXUS vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VXUS achieves a 13.24% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 3.91% return. Over the past 10 years, VXUS has outperformed XLU with an annualized return of 10.05%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.14% annualized return.

VXUS

• 1D: 3.33%
• 1M: 1.32%
• YTD: 13.24%
• 6M: 14.27%
• 1Y: 28.59%
• 3Y*: 18.58%
• 5Y*: 8.24%
• 10Y*: 10.05%

XLU

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -2.52%
• YTD: 3.91%
• 6M: 3.83%
• 1Y: 11.99%
• 3Y*: 13.37%
• 5Y*: 9.18%
• 10Y*: 9.14%

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

VXUS vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	13.24%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	3.91%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between VXUS and XLU 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	0.33
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.34
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 28, 2011	0.36

The correlation between VXUS and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (1 year) to 0.36 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VXUS vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VXUS	XLU
Financial Services	22.3%	-
Technology	18.1%	-
Industrials	16.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	-
Basic Materials	7.6%	-
Healthcare	7.1%	-
Energy	5.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.0%	-
Communication Services	4.4%	-
Utilities	3.2%	100.0%
Real Estate	2.6%	-

Return for Risk

VXUS vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 65
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 66

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 28
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

VXUS vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU). 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.

	VXUS	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.79	0.82	+0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.46	1.19	+1.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.15	+0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	1.31	+1.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.77	2.84	+6.93

VXUS vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VXUS Sharpe Ratio is 1.79, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VXUS and XLU, 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

VXUS vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VXUS drawdown since its inception was -35.97%, smaller than the maximum XLU drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VXUS and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	VXUS	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.97%	-51.98%	+16.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.27%	-9.18%	-2.09%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.58%	-17.26%	+3.68%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.44%	-25.26%	-4.18%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.97%	-36.07%	+0.10%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.86%	-7.06%	+5.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.21%	-10.22%	+2.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.93%	4.23%	-1.30%

Volatility

VXUS vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a higher volatility of 6.78% compared to State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) at 5.58%. This indicates that VXUS's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VXUS	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.78%	5.58%	+1.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.05%	11.63%	+2.42%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.09%	14.63%	+1.46%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.21%	17.34%	-1.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.20%	19.27%	-2.07%

VXUS vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

VXUS has a 0.05% expense ratio, which is lower than XLU'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

VXUS vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

VXUS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, which matches XLU's 2.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.68%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.70%	2.71%	2.96%	3.39%	2.92%	2.79%	3.14%	2.95%	3.33%	3.33%	3.41%	3.67%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VXUS and XLU in my portfolio?

VXUS and XLU 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, VXUS or XLU?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.78%) compared to XLU (5.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VXUS dropped -35.97% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, VXUS or XLU?

On 10-year performance, VXUS leads with 10.05% vs 9.14% for XLU. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, XLU has been the lower-risk option at 5.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VXUS or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 10.05% return vs 9.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VXUS or XLU?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for XLU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VXUS or XLU?

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.70%, compared with 2.68% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between VXUS and XLU?

VXUS is categorized as Global Equities, while XLU is Utilities Equities. VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.05% for VXUS and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 0.82), 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.