Keep tabs on your favorite ETFs with a personalized weekly tracker. Create a Watchlist now →
VAWvsXMEETF Comparison
Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) and SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) belong to the same industry segment: US Materials. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: and Materials. VAW is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.09%, versus 0.35% for XME. VAW is up 8.48% year-to-date (YTD) with -$107M in YTD flows. XME performs better with 8.89% YTD performance, and +$941M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VAW and XME below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
VAW vs XME performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VAW XME | -5.83%-3.24% | +9.11%+10.60% | +8.48%+8.89% | +21.67%+103.52% | +38.51%+121.63% | +41.98%+185.19% |
| Flows | VAW XME | +$6M+$315M | -$123M+$1.20B | -$107M+$941M | -$157M+$1.49B | -$597M+$610M | -$522M+$888M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VAW XME | +19.16%+38.64% | +21.03%+35.00% | +17.49%+28.93% | +19.63%+32.51% |
| Max drawdown | VAW XME | -7.78%-16.16% | -14.66%-19.68% | -23.20%-30.47% | -25.44%-37.25% |
| Max drawdown duration | VAW XME | 11d46d | 57d80d | 430d237d | 679d760d |
VAW | XME | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 1:30 PM | $221.75 | $109.09 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $225.04 | $112.81 |
| Consolidated volume 03/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Create an account to view replication metrics
VAW | XME | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
VAW | XME | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $221.75 | $109.09 |
| 1D performance | -1.46% | -3.30% |
| AuM | $2.96 B | $4.59 B |
| E/R | 0.09% | 0.35% |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the VAW and XME ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, VAW is up 8.48% year-to-date (YTD), while XME has returned 8.89%. That puts XME better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VAW or XME?
Year-to-date, the VAW ETF saw -$107M in flows, compared to +$941M for XME.
Which ETF is more volatile: VAW or XME?
Over the past year, VAW had a volatility of 21.03%, while XME experienced 35%.
Which ETF is bigger: VAW or XME?
As of March 12, 2026, VAW holds $2.96 B in assets under management (AUM), while XME manages $4.59 B.
What sectors do the VAW and XME ETFs invest in?
VAW leans toward sectors like Materials. Meanwhile, XME focuses on Materials and Energy.
What are the top holdings of the VAW ETF and XME ETF?
VAW top holdings include IE000S9YS762, NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC. XME holds in its top three: URANIUM ENERGY, HECLA MINING and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC.
Which ETF is more diversified: VAW or XME?
VAW holds 113 securities with 64.9% of its assets in the top 15. XME has 35 securities and a top 15 weight of 71.89%.
Japan's Nippon Steel Eyes a $14.9 billion Acquisition of U.S. Steel, Offering a 40% Premium
Tony's ETF Buyer's Guide: Sector ETFs (Vanguard versus State Street SPDR)
Trending sub-sectors in 2022
Calamos Investments Powers the Next Phase of the Autocallable Revolution
Join J.P. Morgan’s Bram Kaplan, Head of Americas Equity Derivatives Strategy and Matt Kaufman from Calamos Investments as they dive into the growing global opportunity in autocallable income—an increasingly dominant strategy within structured products, now available through ETFs.
Accepted for 1 CE Credit
