XLE vs. VWO

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

XLE (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF) and VWO (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLE is a Energy Equities fund tracking the Energy Select Sector Index, while VWO is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the FTSE Emerging Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLE returned 9.91%/yr vs 9.00%/yr for VWO. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.08% expense ratio.

Performance

XLE vs. VWO - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLE achieves a 29.56% return, which is significantly higher than VWO's 10.77% return. Over the past 10 years, XLE has outperformed VWO with an annualized return of 9.91%, while VWO has yielded a comparatively lower 9.00% annualized return.

XLE

• 1D: 0.75%
• 1M: -0.14%
• YTD: 29.56%
• 6M: 28.37%
• 1Y: 37.19%
• 3Y*: 16.18%
• 5Y*: 20.12%
• 10Y*: 9.91%

VWO

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -0.65%
• YTD: 10.77%
• 6M: 12.57%
• 1Y: 24.61%
• 3Y*: 16.61%
• 5Y*: 5.03%
• 10Y*: 9.00%

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

XLE vs. VWO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	29.56%	7.88%	5.56%	-0.63%	64.32%	53.28%	-32.67%	11.74%	-18.22%	-0.89%
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	10.77%	25.60%	10.59%	9.25%	-17.98%	1.26%	15.17%	20.75%	-14.76%	31.49%

Correlation

The correlation between XLE and VWO is -0.08, 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	-0.08
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.26
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 10, 2005	0.56

The correlation between XLE and VWO shifts across timeframes, from -0.08 (1 year) to 0.56 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

XLE vs. VWO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLE	VWO
Energy	100.0%	4.6%
Basic Materials	-	8.0%
Communication Services	-	7.1%
Consumer Cyclical	-	10.7%
Consumer Defensive	-	3.7%
Financial Services	-	19.5%
Healthcare	-	3.9%
Industrials	-	8.0%
Real Estate	-	2.2%
Technology	-	29.6%
Utilities	-	2.9%

Return for Risk

XLE vs. VWO — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLE

XLE Risk / Return Rank: 61
XLE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
XLE Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
XLE Omega Ratio Rank: 54
XLE Calmar Ratio Rank: 71
XLE Martin Ratio Rank: 56

VWO

VWO Risk / Return Rank: 50
VWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
VWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VWO Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
VWO Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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.

XLE vs. VWO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO). 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.

	XLE	VWO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	1.49	+0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.40	2.10	+0.30
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.28	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.10	2.21	+0.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.63	7.80	+0.83

XLE vs. VWO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLE Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the VWO Sharpe Ratio of 1.49. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLE and VWO, 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

XLE vs. VWO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLE drawdown since its inception was -71.26%, which is greater than VWO's maximum drawdown of -67.68%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLE and VWO.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLE	VWO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.26%	-67.68%	-3.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.05%	-11.17%	-0.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.14%	-17.37%	-2.77%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.04%	-32.60%	+6.56%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-66.81%	-36.39%	-30.42%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.01%	-2.68%	-5.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-17.97%	-15.80%	-2.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.32%	3.17%	+1.15%

Volatility

XLE vs. VWO - Volatility Comparison

State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) has a higher volatility of 7.26% compared to Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) at 6.64%. This indicates that XLE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VWO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLE	VWO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.26%	6.64%	+0.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.79%	14.04%	+2.75%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.57%	16.54%	+4.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	26.05%	17.48%	+8.57%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.58%	19.22%	+10.36%

XLE vs. VWO - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XLE and VWO have an expense ratio of 0.08%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

XLE vs. VWO - Dividend Comparison

XLE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.59%, more than VWO's 2.44% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VWO Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF	2.44%	2.79%	3.20%	3.52%	4.11%	2.63%	1.91%	3.23%	2.88%	2.30%	2.52%	3.26%
XLE State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.59%	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 XLE and VWO in my portfolio?

XLE and VWO have a correlation of -0.08, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLE or VWO?

XLE has higher volatility (7.26%) compared to VWO (6.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLE dropped -71.26% vs VWO's -67.68%.

Which ETF is better, XLE or VWO?

On 10-year performance, XLE leads with 9.91% vs 9.00% for VWO. Both ETFs have the same 0.08% expense ratio. On volatility, VWO has been the lower-risk option at 6.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLE or VWO?

Over the 10-year period, XLE has performed better with a 9.91% return vs 9.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLE or VWO?

XLE and VWO have the same expense ratio: 0.08% per year.

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

XLE has the higher dividend yield at 2.59%, compared with 2.44% for VWO.

What is the main difference between XLE and VWO?

XLE is categorized as Energy Equities, while VWO is Emerging Markets Equities. XLE tracks Energy Select Sector Index, while VWO tracks FTSE Emerging Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs 1.49), 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.