XLUI vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

XLUI (State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both Utilities Equities funds. XLUI is actively managed, while VPU is passively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XLUI charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VPU.

Performance

XLUI vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLUI) 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, XLUI achieves a 5.18% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 3.78% return.

XLUI

• 1D: 1.50%
• 1M: -4.18%
• YTD: 5.18%
• 6M: 3.54%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VPU

• 1D: 1.96%
• 1M: -5.14%
• YTD: 3.78%
• 6M: 1.55%
• 1Y: 10.46%
• 3Y*: 13.83%
• 5Y*: 9.19%
• 10Y*: 9.08%

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

XLUI vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
XLUI State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	5.18%	0.51%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	3.78%	1.92%

Correlation

The correlation between XLUI and VPU 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

XLUI vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XLUI	VPU
Financial Services	100.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	99.3%

Return for Risk

XLUI vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 22
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 21
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

XLUI vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLUI) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XLUI	VPU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.74	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.54	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.62	0.53	+0.08

Drawdowns

XLUI vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLUI drawdown since its inception was -6.01%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLUI and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLUI	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.01%	-46.31%	+40.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-8.90%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.34%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-25.15%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-36.42%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.43%	-6.72%	+2.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.91%	-7.78%	+5.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.94%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XLUI	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.34%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.58%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.14%	14.29%	-3.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.14%	17.05%	-5.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.14%	19.13%	-7.99%

XLUI vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLUI has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VPU's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLUI vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

XLUI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 12.78%, more than VPU's 2.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.67%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%
XLUI State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF	12.78%	7.12%	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 XLUI and VPU in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, XLUI and VPU 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, XLUI or VPU?

On fees, VPU is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLUI or VPU?

VPU is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XLUI.

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

XLUI has the higher dividend yield at 12.78%, compared with 2.67% for VPU.

What is the main difference between XLUI and VPU?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XLUI and 0.10% for VPU.