XLBvsVAWETF Comparison
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State Street Materials Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLB) and Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) belong to the same industry segment: US Materials. XLB's top 1 sector exposures are Non-Energy Materials. In contrast, VAW's top sector exposures are Non-Energy Materials, Energy and Industrials. XLB is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.08%, versus 0.09% for VAW. XLB is up 11.12% year-to-date (YTD) with +$2.06B in YTD flows. VAW performs worse with 8.71% YTD performance, and +$6M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of XLB and VAW 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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XLB vs VAW performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 10/06/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XLB VAW | -3.81%-4.07% | -3.83%-3.53% | +11.12%+8.71% | +12.79%+10.27% | +35.07%+37.27% | +36.33%+37.07% |
| Flows | XLB VAW | -$418M+$152M | -$86M+$95M | +$2.06B+$6M | +$1.83B-$10M | +$1.70B-$484M | -$307M-$1.17B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | XLB VAW | +16.54%+17.26% | +17.91%+19.06% | +17.38%+18.06% | +19.09%+19.81% |
| Max drawdown | XLB VAW | -9.08%-9.24% | -12.34%-13.41% | -23.18%-23.20% | -24.78%-25.44% |
| Max drawdown duration | XLB VAW | 41d42d | 177d219d | 445d430d | 679d679d |
Trading data
XLB | VAW | |
Last sale 10/7/2026 at 1:30 PM | $48.98 | $219.49 |
| Previous close 10/06/2026 | $49.73 | $223.15 |
| Consolidated volume 10/06/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of September 30, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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XLB | VAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 10/7/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
XLB | VAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $48.98 | $219.49 |
| 1D performance | -1.51% | -1.64% |
| AuM | $7.86 B | $3.05 B |
| E/R | 0.08% | 0.09% |
Characteristics
XLB | VAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard |
| Benchmark | S&P Materials Select Sector Index | MSCI US IMI Materials 25/50 Index |
| N° of holdings | 25 | 110 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | December 16, 1998 | January 26, 2004 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
XLB
USA
78.27%
United Kingdom
15.38%
Other
6.35%
VAW
USA
80.35%
United Kingdom
15.65%
Other
4%
Sectors
XLB
Non-Energy Materi.
99.73%
Other
0.27%
VAW
Non-Energy Materi.
98.64%
Other
1.36%
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Diversification
XLB
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
76.58%
VAW
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
66.07%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of August 31, 2026
XLB
Linde Plc
13.15%
Newmont Corp.
7.82%
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
6.33%
Corteva, Inc.
4.90%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
4.84%
The Sherwin-Williams Co.
4.82%
Ecolab, Inc.
4.76%
Nucor Corp.
4.31%
Vulcan Materials Co.
4.27%
CRH Plc
4.08%
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
4.05%
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
3.75%
PPG Industries, Inc.
3.32%
Smurfit WestRock Plc
3.26%
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
2.92%
VAW
Linde Plc
14.57%
Newmont Corp.
8.58%
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
7.00%
The Sherwin-Williams Co.
4.97%
Ecolab, Inc.
4.61%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
4.14%
CRH Plc
4.05%
Corteva, Inc.
3.64%
Nucor Corp.
3.57%
Vulcan Materials Co.
2.25%
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
2.05%
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
2.00%
PPG Industries, Inc.
1.61%
Smurfit WestRock Plc
1.58%
Royal Gold, Inc.
1.43%
Frequently asked questions about XLB and VAW
How have the XLB and VAW ETFs performed in 2026?
As of October 6, 2026, XLB is up 11.12% year-to-date (YTD), while VAW has returned 8.71%. That puts XLB better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: XLB or VAW?
Year-to-date, the XLB ETF saw +$2.06B in flows, compared to +$6M for VAW.
Which ETF is more volatile: XLB or VAW?
Over the past year, XLB had a volatility of 17.91%, while VAW experienced 19.06%.
Which ETF is bigger: XLB or VAW?
As of October 6, 2026, XLB holds $7.86 B in assets under management (AUM), while VAW manages $3.05 B.
What sectors do the XLB and VAW ETFs invest in?
XLB leans toward sectors like Non-Energy Materials. Meanwhile, VAW focuses on Non-Energy Materials.
What are the top holdings of the XLB ETF and VAW ETF?
XLB top holdings include Linde Plc, Newmont Corp. and Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.. VAW holds in its top three: Linde Plc, Newmont Corp. and Freeport-McMoRan, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XLB or VAW?
XLB holds 25 securities with 76.58% of its assets in the top 15. VAW has 110 securities and a top 15 weight of 66.07%.
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Latest news about XLB & VAW
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
XLB
VAW
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