XLEI vs. VDE

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

XLEI (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) and VDE (Vanguard Energy ETF) are both Energy Equities funds - XLEI tracks the S&P Energy Select Sector while VDE tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XLEI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDE.

Performance

XLEI vs. VDE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLEI achieves a 20.69% return, which is significantly lower than VDE's 32.48% return.

XLEI

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: 1.27%
• YTD: 20.69%
• 6M: 19.80%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VDE

• 1D: 0.18%
• 1M: -1.99%
• YTD: 32.48%
• 6M: 28.99%
• 1Y: 48.54%
• 3Y*: 18.32%
• 5Y*: 20.47%
• 10Y*: 9.47%

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

XLEI vs. VDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	20.69%	6.77%
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	32.48%	3.92%

Correlation

The correlation between XLEI and VDE is 0.94, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 31, 2025	0.94

XLEI vs. VDE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLEI	VDE
Financial Services	100.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	0.4%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	99.5%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XLEI vs. VDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VDE

VDE Risk / Return Rank: 71
VDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 75
VDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VDE Omega Ratio Rank: 65
VDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VDE Martin Ratio Rank: 67

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.

XLEI vs. VDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLEI) and Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XLEI	VDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.78	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.32	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.67	0.28	+2.39

Drawdowns

XLEI vs. VDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLEI drawdown since its inception was -7.98%, smaller than the maximum VDE drawdown of -74.20%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLEI and VDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLEI	VDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.98%	-74.20%	+66.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-11.80%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-21.41%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-26.58%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-69.29%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.75%	-6.27%	+5.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.52%	-19.96%	+18.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.02%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLEI	VDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.99%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	16.27%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.13%	20.34%	-7.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.13%	26.40%	-13.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.13%	29.93%	-16.80%

XLEI vs. VDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLEI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VDE's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLEI vs. VDE - Dividend Comparison

XLEI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 16.55%, more than VDE's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VDE Vanguard Energy ETF	2.37%	3.11%	3.23%	3.34%	3.65%	4.13%	4.76%	3.42%	3.35%	2.90%	2.31%	3.17%
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	16.55%	10.17%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLEI and VDE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, XLEI and VDE move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, XLEI or VDE?

On fees, VDE is cheaper at 0.09% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLEI or VDE?

VDE is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XLEI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLEI or VDE?

XLEI has the higher dividend yield at 16.55%, compared with 2.37% for VDE.

What is the main difference between XLEI and VDE?

XLEI tracks S&P Energy Select Sector, while VDE tracks MSCI US Investable Market Energy 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XLEI and 0.09% for VDE.