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. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: and Non-Energy Materials. XLB is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.08%, versus 0.09% for VAW. XLB is up 11.62% year-to-date (YTD) with +$2.27B in YTD flows. VAW performs worse with 8.56% YTD performance, and -$89M 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 07/08/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XLB VAW | +0.88%-0.46% | -2.67%-4.33% | +11.62%+8.56% | +12.02%+12.82% | +30.89%+30.95% | +36.15%+36.80% |
| Flows | XLB VAW | +$392M+$10M | +$1.51B+$35M | +$2.27B-$89M | +$2.06B-$121M | +$1.54B-$428M | -$1.56B-$1.16B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | XLB VAW | +19.31%+20.62% | +17.64%+18.65% | +17.20%+17.86% | +19.08%+19.86% |
| Max drawdown | XLB VAW | -6.44%-6.75% | -12.34%-13.41% | -23.18%-23.20% | -24.78%-25.44% |
| Max drawdown duration | XLB VAW | 37d56d | 147d129d | 445d430d | 679d679d |
Trading data
XLB | VAW | |
Last sale 7/8/2026 at 1:30 PM | $50.16 | $223.56 |
| Previous close 07/08/2026 | $51.51 | $228.98 |
| Consolidated volume 07/08/2026 | ||
| 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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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 7/8/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
XLB | VAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $50.16 | $223.56 |
| 1D performance | -2.62% | -2.37% |
| AuM | $8.14 B | $2.96 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 | 26 | 112 |
| 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
78.58%
United Kingdom
16.24%
Other
5.18%
VAW
USA
80.35%
United Kingdom
15.88%
Other
3.77%
Sectors
XLB
Non-Energy Materi.
99.66%
Other
0.34%
VAW
Non-Energy Materi.
98.61%
Other
1.39%
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Diversification
XLB
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
77.07%
VAW
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
64.2%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of May 31, 2026
XLB
Linde Plc
14.16%
Newmont Corp.
7.30%
Nucor Corp.
6.35%
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
5.75%
Vulcan Materials Co.
4.58%
CRH Plc
4.57%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
4.38%
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
4.38%
Corteva, Inc.
4.34%
The Sherwin-Williams Co.
4.27%
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
4.24%
Ecolab, Inc.
4.04%
PPG Industries, Inc.
3.11%
Dow, Inc.
2.97%
Smurfit WestRock Plc
2.64%
VAW
Linde Plc
14.78%
Newmont Corp.
7.60%
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
6.05%
CRH Plc
4.67%
The Sherwin-Williams Co.
4.58%
Ecolab, Inc.
4.17%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
3.61%
Nucor Corp.
3.56%
Corteva, Inc.
3.37%
Vulcan Materials Co.
2.37%
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
2.29%
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
2.25%
Amrize Ltd.
1.74%
PPG Industries, Inc.
1.62%
Dow, Inc.
1.56%
Frequently asked questions about XLB and VAW
How have the XLB and VAW ETFs performed in 2026?
As of July 8, 2026, XLB is up 11.62% year-to-date (YTD), while VAW has returned 8.56%. 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 +$2.27B in flows, compared to -$89M for VAW.
Which ETF is more volatile: XLB or VAW?
Over the past year, XLB had a volatility of 17.64%, while VAW experienced 18.65%.
Which ETF is bigger: XLB or VAW?
As of July 8, 2026, XLB holds $8.14 B in assets under management (AUM), while VAW manages $2.96 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 Nucor Corp.. VAW holds in its top three: Linde Plc, Newmont Corp. and Freeport-McMoRan, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XLB or VAW?
XLB holds 26 securities with 77.07% of its assets in the top 15. VAW has 112 securities and a top 15 weight of 64.2%.
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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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