XLEI vs. VSDB

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XLEI (State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) and VSDB (Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares) are both exchange-traded funds - XLEI is a Energy Equities fund tracking the S&P Energy Select Sector, while VSDB is a Short-Term Bond fund actively managed by Vanguard. XLEI is passively managed, while VSDB is actively managed. At a correlation of -0.26, they often move in opposite directions. XLEI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.15%/yr for VSDB.

Performance

XLEI vs. VSDB - 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 Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLEI achieves a 14.33% return, which is significantly higher than VSDB's 0.95% return.

XLEI

• 1D: 1.50%
• 1M: -4.84%
• YTD: 14.33%
• 6M: 15.70%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VSDB

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.30%
• YTD: 0.95%
• 6M: 1.15%
• 1Y: 4.75%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XLEI vs. VSDB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	14.33%	6.17%
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	0.95%	2.92%

Correlation

The correlation between XLEI and VSDB is -0.26, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 30, 2025	-0.26

Return for Risk

XLEI vs. VSDB — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLEI

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

VSDB

VSDB Risk / Return Rank: 83
VSDB Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
VSDB Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VSDB Omega Ratio Rank: 91
VSDB Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VSDB Martin Ratio Rank: 78

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. VSDB - 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 Short Duration Bond ETF Shares (VSDB). 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.

	XLEI	VSDB	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.74	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	4.25	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.56	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	3.35	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	14.67	—

Drawdowns

XLEI vs. VSDB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLEI drawdown since its inception was -7.98%, which is greater than VSDB's maximum drawdown of -1.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLEI and VSDB.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLEI	VSDB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-7.98%	-1.42%	-6.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-1.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.98%	-0.26%	-5.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.66%	-0.19%	-1.47%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	0.32%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLEI	VSDB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	0.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	1.39%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.92%	1.75%	+12.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.92%	1.90%	+12.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.92%	1.90%	+12.02%

XLEI vs. VSDB - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLEI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VSDB's 0.15% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLEI vs. VSDB - Dividend Comparison

XLEI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 17.47%, more than VSDB's 4.16% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
VSDB Vanguard Short Duration Bond ETF Shares	4.16%	3.30%
XLEI State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	17.47%	10.17%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLEI and VSDB in my portfolio?

XLEI and VSDB have a correlation of -0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XLEI or VSDB?

On fees, VSDB is cheaper at 0.15% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLEI or VSDB?

VSDB is cheaper with a 0.15% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XLEI.

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

XLEI has the higher dividend yield at 17.47%, compared with 4.16% for VSDB.

What is the main difference between XLEI and VSDB?

XLEI is categorized as Energy Equities, while VSDB is Short-Term Bond. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XLEI and 0.15% for VSDB.