XTL vs. VOX
XTL (SPDR S&P Telecom ETF) and VOX (Vanguard Communication Services ETF) are both Communications Equities funds - XTL tracks the S&P Telecom Select Industry Index while VOX tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Communication Services 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XTL returned 15.90%/yr vs 8.39%/yr for VOX. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XTL charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VOX.
Performance
XTL vs. VOX - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, XTL achieves a 45.48% return, which is significantly higher than VOX's -5.59% return. Over the past 10 years, XTL has outperformed VOX with an annualized return of 15.90%, while VOX has yielded a comparatively lower 8.39% annualized return.
XTL
- 1D
- 0.71%
- 1M
- -5.01%
- YTD
- 45.48%
- 6M
- 42.07%
- 1Y
- 105.42%
- 3Y*
- 46.16%
- 5Y*
- 17.85%
- 10Y*
- 15.90%
VOX
- 1D
- -2.41%
- 1M
- -6.74%
- YTD
- -5.59%
- 6M
- -5.26%
- 1Y
- 13.76%
- 3Y*
- 21.71%
- 5Y*
- 6.17%
- 10Y*
- 8.39%
XTL vs. VOX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF | 45.48% | 44.95% | 34.89% | -1.17% | -19.18% | 21.58% | 22.46% | 12.51% | -6.60% | 0.56% |
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF | -5.59% | 26.27% | 33.12% | 44.81% | -38.85% | 13.83% | 29.12% | 28.03% | -16.75% | -5.50% |
Correlation
The correlation between XTL and VOX is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.48 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.52 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.64 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.66 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 27, 2011 | 0.66 |
The correlation between XTL and VOX shifts across timeframes, from 0.47 (1 year) to 0.66 (10 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
XTL vs. VOX — Risk / Return Rank
XTL
VOX
XTL vs. VOX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX). 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.
| XTL | VOX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +2.64 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +2.63 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.52 | 1.16 | +0.36 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 7.21 | 1.02 | +6.19 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 28.34 | 3.65 | +24.69 |
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Drawdowns
XTL vs. VOX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum XTL drawdown since its inception was -37.01%, smaller than the maximum VOX drawdown of -57.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XTL and VOX.
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Drawdown Indicators
| XTL | VOX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -37.01% | -57.18% | +20.17% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -14.70% | -13.56% | -1.14% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -22.79% | -21.15% | -1.64% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -37.01% | -46.76% | +9.75% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -37.01% | -46.76% | +9.75% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -10.30% | -8.76% | -1.54% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -9.76% | -11.90% | +2.14% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.73% | 3.78% | -0.05% |
Volatility
XTL vs. VOX - Volatility Comparison
SPDR S&P Telecom ETF (XTL) has a higher volatility of 11.45% compared to Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) at 5.45%. This indicates that XTL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| XTL | VOX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 11.45% | 5.45% | +6.00% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 23.63% | 11.94% | +11.69% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 30.23% | 15.83% | +14.40% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 25.37% | 21.24% | +4.13% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 23.69% | 20.94% | +2.75% |
XTL vs. VOX - Expense Ratio Comparison
XTL has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than VOX's 0.09% expense ratio.
Dividends
XTL vs. VOX - Dividend Comparison
XTL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.29%, more than VOX's 1.04% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VOX Vanguard Communication Services ETF | 1.04% | 0.95% | 1.05% | 1.03% | 0.88% | 0.93% | 0.73% | 0.90% | 2.77% | 3.83% | 2.67% | 3.55% |
XTL SPDR S&P Telecom ETF | 1.29% | 1.05% | 0.62% | 0.80% | 0.74% | 1.25% | 0.88% | 0.92% | 1.90% | 2.08% | 1.11% | 1.38% |
Frequently Asked Questions
XTL and VOX have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
XTL has higher volatility (11.45%) compared to VOX (5.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XTL dropped -37.01% vs VOX's -57.18%.
On 10-year performance, XTL leads with 15.90% vs 8.39% for VOX. On fees, VOX is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VOX has been the lower-risk option at 5.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, XTL has performed better with a 15.90% return vs 8.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VOX is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XTL.
XTL has the higher dividend yield at 1.29%, compared with 1.04% for VOX.
XTL tracks S&P Telecom Select Industry Index, while VOX tracks MSCI US Investable Market Communication Services 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XTL and 0.09% for VOX.
XTL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.51 vs 0.87), 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.
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