XLU vs. VPU
Compare and contrast key facts about Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU).
XLU and VPU are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. XLU is a passively managed fund by State Street that tracks the performance of the Utilities Select Sector Index. It was launched on Dec 16, 1998. VPU is a passively managed fund by Vanguard that tracks the performance of the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. It was launched on Jan 26, 2004. Both XLU and VPU are passive ETFs, meaning that they are not actively managed but aim to replicate the performance of the underlying index as closely as possible.
Scroll down to visually compare performance, riskiness, drawdowns, and other indicators and decide which better suits your portfolio: XLU or VPU.
Key characteristics
| XLU | VPU | |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | 8.91% | 9.33% |
| 1Y Return | 3.17% | 3.44% |
| 3Y Return (Ann) | 4.18% | 4.03% |
| 5Y Return (Ann) | 6.61% | 6.02% |
| 10Y Return (Ann) | 8.37% | 8.27% |
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.23 | 0.25 |
| Daily Std Dev | 17.05% | 17.02% |
| Max Drawdown | -52.27% | -46.31% |
| Current Drawdown | -7.38% | -6.91% |
Correlation
The correlation between XLU and VPU is 0.97, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Performance
XLU vs. VPU - Performance Comparison
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with XLU having a 8.91% return and VPU slightly higher at 9.33%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with XLU having a 8.37% annualized return and VPU not far behind at 8.27%. The chart below displays the growth of a $10,000 investment in both assets, with all prices adjusted for splits and dividends.
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XLU vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison
XLU has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.10% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Risk-Adjusted Performance
XLU vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Performance Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) 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.
Dividends
XLU vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison
XLU's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.18%, which matches VPU's 3.18% yield.
| TTM | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XLU Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund | 3.18% | 3.39% | 2.92% | 2.79% | 3.14% | 2.95% | 3.33% | 3.33% | 3.41% | 3.67% | 3.19% | 3.86% |
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF | 3.18% | 3.49% | 2.98% | 2.70% | 3.17% | 2.83% | 3.23% | 3.18% | 3.19% | 3.63% | 3.02% | 3.76% |
Drawdowns
XLU vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum XLU drawdown since its inception was -52.27%, which is greater than VPU's maximum drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLU and VPU. For additional features, visit the drawdowns tool.
Volatility
XLU vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison
Utilities Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLU) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) have volatilities of 4.55% and 4.68%, 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.