XLP vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

XLP (State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLP is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the Consumer Staples Select Sector Index, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XLP returned 7.60%/yr vs 9.28%/yr for VPU. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XLP charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

XLP vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLP achieves a 10.07% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 7.09% return. Over the past 10 years, XLP has underperformed VPU with an annualized return of 7.60%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively higher 9.28% annualized return.

XLP

• 1D: 0.86%
• 1M: 0.27%
• YTD: 10.07%
• 6M: 9.45%
• 1Y: 6.70%
• 3Y*: 7.48%
• 5Y*: 6.70%
• 10Y*: 7.60%

VPU

• 1D: 0.29%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 7.09%
• 6M: 6.69%
• 1Y: 13.88%
• 3Y*: 14.96%
• 5Y*: 10.17%
• 10Y*: 9.28%

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

XLP vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	10.07%	1.52%	12.20%	-0.82%	-0.81%	17.20%	10.11%	27.43%	-8.07%	12.98%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	7.09%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between XLP and VPU is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 30, 2004	0.60

Over the past year, the correlation between XLP and VPU has dropped to 0.32 - well below their long-term average of 0.60, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

XLP vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLP	VPU
Consumer Defensive	99.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	99.3%

Return for Risk

XLP vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLP

XLP Risk / Return Rank: 16
XLP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
XLP Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
XLP Omega Ratio Rank: 15
XLP Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
XLP Martin Ratio Rank: 15

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 28
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 26
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

XLP vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	XLP	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.51	0.97	-0.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.82	1.37	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.17	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.69	1.57	-0.87
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.32	3.33	-2.01

XLP vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLP Sharpe Ratio is 0.51, which is lower than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 0.97. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLP and VPU, 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

XLP vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLP drawdown since its inception was -35.90%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLP and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLP	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.90%	-46.31%	+10.41%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.69%	-8.90%	-0.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.39%	-17.34%	+4.95%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.30%	-25.15%	+8.85%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-24.51%	-36.42%	+11.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.01%	-3.75%	-1.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.06%	-7.78%	+0.72%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.10%	4.18%	+0.92%

Volatility

XLP vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) have volatilities of 5.20% and 5.10%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLP	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.20%	5.10%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.54%	11.43%	-0.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.11%	14.39%	-1.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.37%	17.03%	-3.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.77%	19.14%	-4.37%

XLP vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLP has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than VPU's 0.09% 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

XLP vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

XLP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.60%, which matches VPU's 2.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.59%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%
XLP State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF	2.60%	2.75%	2.77%	2.63%	2.47%	2.28%	2.50%	2.57%	3.04%	2.62%	2.53%	2.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XLP and VPU in my portfolio?

XLP and VPU have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLP or VPU?

XLP has higher volatility (5.20%) compared to VPU (5.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLP dropped -35.90% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, XLP or VPU?

On 10-year performance, VPU leads with 9.28% vs 7.60% for XLP. On fees, XLP is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, VPU has been the lower-risk option at 5.10%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLP or VPU?

Over the 10-year period, VPU has performed better with a 9.28% return vs 7.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLP or VPU?

XLP is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for VPU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLP or VPU?

XLP and VPU have nearly identical dividend yields, around 2.60%.

What is the main difference between XLP and VPU?

XLP is categorized as Consumer Staples Equities, while VPU is Utilities Equities. XLP tracks Consumer Staples Select Sector Index, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for XLP and 0.09% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.97 vs 0.51), 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.