VAWvsXLBETF Comparison
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Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) and State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) belong to the same industry segment: US Materials. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: and Materials. VAW is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.09%, versus 0.08% for XLB. VAW is up 14.81% year-to-date (YTD) with -$76M in YTD flows. XLB performs better with 15.74% YTD performance, and +$1.55B in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VAW and XLB below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
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VAW vs XLB performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 04/20/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VAW XLB | +12.71%+11.64% | +6.66%+8.84% | +14.81%+15.74% | +37.69%+33.97% | +39.75%+36.04% | +45.69%+41.60% |
| Flows | VAW XLB | +$61M+$898M | +$93M+$1.47B | -$76M+$1.55B | +$22M+$1.50B | -$484M+$549M | -$732M-$1.02B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VAW XLB | +21.44%+19.71% | +17.33%+16.65% | +17.58%+16.99% | +19.71%+18.93% |
| Max drawdown | VAW XLB | -13.41%-12.34% | -13.41%-12.34% | -23.20%-23.18% | -25.44%-24.78% |
| Max drawdown duration | VAW XLB | 50d68d | 50d68d | 430d445d | 679d679d |
Trading data
VAW | XLB | |
Last sale 4/21/2026 at 1:30 PM | $234.11 | $51.77 |
| Previous close 04/20/2026 | $237.48 | $52.23 |
| Consolidated volume 04/20/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of March 31, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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VAW | XLB | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 4/21/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
VAW | XLB | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $234.11 | $51.77 |
| 1D performance | -1.42% | -0.88% |
| AuM | $3.15 B | $7.74 B |
| E/R | 0.09% | 0.08% |
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Exposure
Countries
VAW
USA
73%
Ireland
20.82%
Other
6.17%
XLB
USA
73.56%
Ireland
21.71%
Other
4.73%
Sectors
VAW
Materials
78.04%
Other
21.96%
XLB
Materials
80.08%
Other
19.92%
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Diversification
VAW
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
65.02%
XLB
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
75.55%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of February 28, 2026
VAW
IE000S9YS762
14.44%
NEWMONT CORP
8.63%
FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC
5.95%
SHERWIN WILLIAMS
5.20%
CRH PLC
4.89%
ECOLAB
4.78%
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS
3.58%
CORTEVA INC
3.29%
VULCAN MATERIALS
2.49%
MARTIN MARIETTA
2.48%
NUCOR
2.46%
CH1430134226
1.97%
PPG INDUSTRIES
1.68%
STEEL DYNAMICS
1.63%
ROYAL GOLD
1.54%
XLB
IE000S9YS762
13.99%
NEWMONT CORP
8.37%
FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC
5.77%
SHERWIN WILLIAMS
4.92%
CRH PLC
4.74%
ECOLAB
4.64%
CORTEVA INC
4.57%
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS
4.33%
MARTIN MARIETTA
4.03%
NUCOR
4.00%
VULCAN MATERIALS
3.88%
PPG INDUSTRIES
3.35%
STEEL DYNAMICS
3.21%
IE00028FXN24
2.97%
INTERNATIONAL PAPER CO
2.78%
Frequently asked questions about VAW and XLB
How have the VAW and XLB ETFs performed in 2026?
As of April 20, 2026, VAW is up 14.81% year-to-date (YTD), while XLB has returned 15.74%. That puts XLB better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VAW or XLB?
Year-to-date, the VAW ETF saw -$76M in flows, compared to +$1.55B for XLB.
Which ETF is more volatile: VAW or XLB?
Over the past year, VAW had a volatility of 17.33%, while XLB experienced 16.65%.
Which ETF is bigger: VAW or XLB?
As of April 20, 2026, VAW holds $3.15 B in assets under management (AUM), while XLB manages $7.74 B.
What sectors do the VAW and XLB ETFs invest in?
VAW leans toward sectors like Materials. Meanwhile, XLB focuses on Materials.
What are the top holdings of the VAW ETF and XLB ETF?
VAW top holdings include IE000S9YS762, NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC. XLB holds in its top three: IE000S9YS762, NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC.
Which ETF is more diversified: VAW or XLB?
VAW holds 112 securities with 65.02% of its assets in the top 15. XLB has 25 securities and a top 15 weight of 75.55%.
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Latest news about VAW & XLB
Investing in Sector ETFs: Energy, Industrials, & Materials
September 6, 2024
XLB
Tony's ETF Buyer's Guide: Sector ETFs (Vanguard versus State Street SPDR)
December 1, 2023
VAW
XLB
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