VPUvsXLUETF Comparison
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Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) and State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) belong to the same industry segment: US Utilities. VPU's top 3 sector exposures are Utilities, Energy and Non-Energy Materials. In contrast, XLU's top sector exposures are Utilities, VPU is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.09%, versus 0.08% for XLU. VPU is up 8.04% year-to-date (YTD) with +$362M in YTD flows. XLU performs better with 8.5% YTD performance, and +$498M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VPU and XLU 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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VPU vs XLU performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 07/07/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VPU XLU | +5.21%+5.75% | -0.73%-0.63% | +8.04%+8.50% | +14.39%+14.58% | +52.50%+52.93% | +62.04%+64.14% |
| Flows | VPU XLU | -$1M+$515M | +$40M-$549M | +$362M+$498M | +$873M+$2.34B | +$1.50B+$2.91B | +$1.92B+$6.86B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VPU XLU | +17.81%+18.27% | +14.78%+15.11% | +16.14%+16.49% | +17.21%+17.40% |
| Max drawdown | VPU XLU | -8.10%-8.64% | -8.87%-9.19% | -17.39%-17.29% | -25.15%-25.30% |
| Max drawdown duration | VPU XLU | 89d89d | 120d120d | 275d275d | 688d688d |
Trading data
VPU | XLU | |
Last sale 7/8/2026 at 2:38 PM | $196.93 | $45.66 |
| Previous close 07/07/2026 | $197.25 | $45.70 |
| Consolidated volume 07/07/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of June 30, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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VPU | XLU | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 7/8/2026 at 2:38 PM
Live
Closed
VPU | XLU | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $196.93 | $45.66 |
| 1D performance | -0.16% | -0.09% |
| AuM | $8.74 B | $23.75 B |
| E/R | 0.09% | 0.08% |
Characteristics
VPU | XLU | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | Vanguard | State Street Investment Management |
| Benchmark | MSCI US IMI Utilities 25/50 Index | S&P Utilities Select Sector Index |
| N° of holdings | 68 | 31 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | January 26, 2004 | December 16, 1998 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
VPU
USA
99.04%
Other
0.96%
XLU
USA
99.55%
Other
0.45%
Sectors
VPU
Utilities
97.92%
Other
2.08%
XLU
Utilities
99.55%
Other
0.45%
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Diversification
VPU
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
65.04%
XLU
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
72.33%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of May 31, 2026
VPU
NextEra Energy, Inc.
11.73%
The Southern Co.
6.71%
Duke Energy Corp.
6.17%
Constellation Energy Corp.
5.73%
American Electric Power Co., Inc.
4.45%
Dominion Energy, Inc.
3.80%
Sempra
3.76%
Vistra Corp.
3.51%
Entergy Corp.
3.23%
Xcel Energy, Inc.
3.21%
Exelon Corp.
3.02%
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
2.54%
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
2.52%
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
2.34%
PG&E Corp.
2.33%
XLU
NextEra Energy, Inc.
13.17%
The Southern Co.
7.37%
Duke Energy Corp.
6.94%
Constellation Energy Corp.
6.52%
American Electric Power Co., Inc.
4.98%
Sempra
4.23%
Dominion Energy, Inc.
4.16%
Vistra Corp.
3.71%
Entergy Corp.
3.59%
Xcel Energy, Inc.
3.42%
Exelon Corp.
3.39%
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
2.85%
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
2.77%
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
2.63%
PG&E Corp.
2.61%
Frequently asked questions about VPU and XLU
How have the VPU and XLU ETFs performed in 2026?
As of July 7, 2026, VPU is up 8.04% year-to-date (YTD), while XLU has returned 8.5%. That puts XLU better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VPU or XLU?
Year-to-date, the VPU ETF saw +$362M in flows, compared to +$498M for XLU.
Which ETF is more volatile: VPU or XLU?
Over the past year, VPU had a volatility of 14.78%, while XLU experienced 15.11%.
Which ETF is bigger: VPU or XLU?
As of July 7, 2026, VPU holds $8.74 B in assets under management (AUM), while XLU manages $23.75 B.
What sectors do the VPU and XLU ETFs invest in?
VPU leans toward sectors like Utilities. Meanwhile, XLU focuses on Utilities.
What are the top holdings of the VPU ETF and XLU ETF?
VPU top holdings include NextEra Energy, Inc., The Southern Co. and Duke Energy Corp.. XLU holds in its top three: NextEra Energy, Inc., The Southern Co. and Duke Energy Corp..
Which ETF is more diversified: VPU or XLU?
VPU holds 68 securities with 65.04% of its assets in the top 15. XLU has 31 securities and a top 15 weight of 72.33%.
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