VYM vs. XLU

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) and XLU (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, while XLU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the Utilities Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VYM returned 11.95%/yr vs 9.20%/yr for XLU. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VYM charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for XLU.

Performance

VYM vs. XLU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) 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, VYM achieves a 12.37% return, which is significantly higher than XLU's 5.04% return. Over the past 10 years, VYM has outperformed XLU with an annualized return of 11.95%, while XLU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.20% annualized return.

VYM

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 12.37%
• 6M: 11.19%
• 1Y: 25.94%
• 3Y*: 18.06%
• 5Y*: 11.59%
• 10Y*: 11.95%

XLU

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: 5.04%
• 6M: 5.48%
• 1Y: 12.50%
• 3Y*: 13.79%
• 5Y*: 9.41%
• 10Y*: 9.20%

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

VYM vs. XLU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.37%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	5.04%	16.03%	23.31%	-7.18%	1.44%	17.70%	0.51%	25.93%	3.94%	12.05%

Correlation

The correlation between VYM and XLU is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.52
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.55
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2006	0.57

The correlation between VYM and XLU shifts across timeframes, from 0.39 (1 year) to 0.57 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VYM vs. XLU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYM	XLU
Financial Services	20.5%	-
Technology	17.7%	-
Healthcare	12.2%	-
Industrials	12.1%	-
Energy	9.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	-
Utilities	5.7%	100.0%
Communication Services	3.5%	-
Basic Materials	3.5%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

VYM vs. XLU — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 83
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

XLU

XLU Risk / Return Rank: 26
XLU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLU Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLU Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
XLU Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

VYM vs. XLU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) 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.

	VYM	XLU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	0.81	+1.56
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	1.18	+2.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.15	+0.28
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	1.30	+2.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.81	2.80	+11.01

VYM vs. XLU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYM Sharpe Ratio is 2.37, which is higher than the XLU Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYM 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

VYM vs. XLU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYM drawdown since its inception was -56.98%, which is greater than XLU's maximum drawdown of -51.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYM and XLU.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYM	XLU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.98%	-51.98%	-5.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.69%	-9.18%	+2.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.46%	-17.26%	+2.80%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.84%	-25.26%	+9.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.21%	-36.07%	+0.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-6.05%	+5.53%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.18%	-10.22%	+3.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.80%	4.25%	-2.45%

Volatility

VYM vs. XLU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is 3.31%, while State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) has a volatility of 5.59%. This indicates that VYM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYM	XLU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	5.59%	-2.28%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.81%	11.68%	-3.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.47%	14.66%	-4.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.99%	17.34%	-3.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.35%	19.27%	-2.92%

VYM vs. XLU - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYM has a 0.04% 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

VYM vs. XLU - Dividend Comparison

VYM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.19%, less than XLU's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.19%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%
XLU State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.67%	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 VYM and XLU in my portfolio?

VYM and XLU have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VYM or XLU?

XLU has higher volatility (5.59%) compared to VYM (3.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYM dropped -56.98% vs XLU's -51.98%.

Which ETF is better, VYM or XLU?

On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 11.95% vs 9.20% for XLU. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 3.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYM or XLU?

Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.95% return vs 9.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYM or XLU?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.08% for XLU.

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

XLU has the higher dividend yield at 2.67%, compared with 2.19% for VYM.

What is the main difference between VYM and XLU?

VYM is categorized as Dividend, while XLU is Utilities Equities. VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, while XLU tracks Utilities Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VYM and 0.08% for XLU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 0.81), 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.