VDEvsXLEETF Comparison
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Vanguard Energy ETF (VDE) and State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) belong to the same industry segment: US Energy. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: and Energy. VDE is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.09%, versus 0.08% for XLE. VDE is up 30.74% year-to-date (YTD) with +$797M in YTD flows. XLE performs worse with 30.36% YTD performance, and +$4.76B in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VDE and XLE 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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VDE vs XLE performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 06/02/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VDE XLE | -3.22%-2.45% | +2.30%+2.20% | +30.74%+30.36% | +45.80%+44.78% | +62.12%+59.85% | +152.78%+152.04% |
| Flows | VDE XLE | -$72M-$742M | +$305M+$463M | +$797M+$4.76B | +$541M+$2.58B | -$384M-$6.38B | -$993M-$9.76B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VDE XLE | +24.09%+24.40% | +20.42%+20.51% | +21.49%+21.35% | +26.59%+25.97% |
| Max drawdown | VDE XLE | -11.79%-12.14% | -11.79%-12.14% | -21.42%-20.14% | -26.53%-26.10% |
| Max drawdown duration | VDE XLE | 65d65d | 65d65d | 404d404d | 146d145d |
Trading data
VDE | XLE | |
Last sale 6/3/2026 at 1:30 PM | $165.57 | $58.71 |
| Previous close 06/02/2026 | $163.72 | $57.96 |
| Consolidated volume 06/02/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of May 29, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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VDE | XLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 6/3/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
VDE | XLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $165.57 | $58.71 |
| 1D performance | +1.13% | +1.29% |
| AuM | $9.97 B | $39.72 B |
| E/R | 0.09% | 0.08% |
Characteristics
VDE | XLE | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | Vanguard | State Street Investment Management |
| Benchmark | MSCI US IMI Energy 25/50 Index | S&P Energy Select Sector Index |
| N° of holdings | 94 | 22 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | September 23, 2004 | December 16, 1998 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
VDE
USA
92.44%
Other
7.56%
XLE
USA
95.22%
Other
4.78%
Sectors
VDE
Energy
96.05%
Other
3.95%
XLE
Energy
99.85%
Other
0.15%
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Diversification
VDE
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
72.83%
XLE
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
89.16%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of April 30, 2026
VDE
EXXON
20.91%
CHEVRON TEXACO
14.18%
CONOCOPHILLIPS
5.88%
WILLIAMS
3.59%
VALERO ENERGY
3.03%
MARATHON PETROLEUM
3.02%
EOG RESOURCES
2.97%
SCHLUMBERGER
2.92%
PHILLIPS 66
2.80%
BAKER HUGHES
2.66%
KINDER MORGAN
2.55%
CHENIERE ENERGY
2.34%
ONEOK
2.26%
TARGA RESOURCS
2.17%
OCCIDENTAL U
1.56%
XLE
EXXON
22.21%
CHEVRON TEXACO
16.63%
CONOCOPHILLIPS
7.07%
SCHLUMBERGER
4.63%
WILLIAMS
4.38%
VALERO ENERGY
4.19%
EOG RESOURCES
4.15%
MARATHON PETROLEUM
3.98%
PHILLIPS 66
3.93%
BAKER HUGHES
3.75%
KINDER MORGAN
3.50%
ONEOK
3.16%
TARGA RESOURCS
3.04%
OCCIDENTAL U
2.37%
DIAMONDBACK ENERGY
2.17%
Frequently asked questions about VDE and XLE
How have the VDE and XLE ETFs performed in 2026?
As of June 2, 2026, VDE is up 30.74% year-to-date (YTD), while XLE has returned 30.36%. That puts VDE better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VDE or XLE?
Year-to-date, the VDE ETF saw +$797M in flows, compared to +$4.76B for XLE.
Which ETF is more volatile: VDE or XLE?
Over the past year, VDE had a volatility of 20.42%, while XLE experienced 20.51%.
Which ETF is bigger: VDE or XLE?
As of June 2, 2026, VDE holds $9.97 B in assets under management (AUM), while XLE manages $39.72 B.
What sectors do the VDE and XLE ETFs invest in?
VDE leans toward sectors like Energy. Meanwhile, XLE focuses on Energy.
What are the top holdings of the VDE ETF and XLE ETF?
VDE top holdings include EXXON, CHEVRON TEXACO and CONOCOPHILLIPS. XLE holds in its top three: EXXON, CHEVRON TEXACO and CONOCOPHILLIPS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VDE or XLE?
VDE holds 106 securities with 72.83% of its assets in the top 15. XLE has 22 securities and a top 15 weight of 89.16%.
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