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 Materials. XLB is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.08%, versus 0.09% for VAW. XLB is up 10.17% year-to-date (YTD) with +$1.33B in YTD flows. VAW performs worse with 8.87% YTD performance, and -$99M 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 05/20/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XLB VAW | -4.81%-5.17% | -5.71%-6.38% | +10.17%+8.87% | +16.38%+18.85% | +34.86%+37.53% | +27.14%+29.88% |
| Flows | XLB VAW | -$264M-$22M | +$526M+$5M | +$1.33B-$99M | +$1.54B+$26M | +$679M-$453M | -$2.27B-$1.08B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | XLB VAW | +18.99%+21.02% | +16.85%+17.76% | +17.08%+17.73% | +18.92%+19.71% |
| Max drawdown | XLB VAW | -12.03%-13.41% | -12.34%-13.41% | -23.18%-23.20% | -24.78%-25.44% |
| Max drawdown duration | XLB VAW | 80d80d | 98d80d | 445d430d | 679d679d |
Trading data
XLB | VAW | |
Last sale 5/21/2026 at 1:30 PM | $50.02 | $226.61 |
| Previous close 05/20/2026 | $49.72 | $225.01 |
| Consolidated volume 05/20/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of April 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 5/21/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
XLB | VAW | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $50.02 | $226.61 |
| 1D performance | +0.60% | +0.71% |
| AuM | $7.16 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 | 24 | 98 |
| 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
73.34%
Ireland
21.54%
Other
5.12%
VAW
USA
72.51%
Ireland
21.11%
Other
6.38%
Sectors
XLB
Materials
80.45%
Other
19.55%
VAW
Materials
77.69%
Other
22.31%
Diversification
XLB
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
75.64%
VAW
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
64.3%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of March 31, 2026
XLB
IE000S9YS762
14.42%
NEWMONT CORP
7.36%
FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC
5.26%
CORTEVA INC
4.75%
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS
4.64%
SHERWIN WILLIAMS
4.60%
CRH PLC
4.51%
VULCAN MATERIALS
4.51%
MARTIN MARIETTA
4.40%
NUCOR
4.39%
ECOLAB
4.29%
DOW INC
3.75%
STEEL DYNAMICS
3.10%
PPG INDUSTRIES
3.01%
ALBEMARLE
2.65%
VAW
IE000S9YS762
15.14%
NEWMONT CORP
7.73%
FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC
5.52%
SHERWIN WILLIAMS
4.94%
CRH PLC
4.61%
ECOLAB
4.44%
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS
4.05%
CORTEVA INC
3.70%
NUCOR
2.53%
VULCAN MATERIALS
2.35%
MARTIN MARIETTA
2.32%
DOW INC
1.94%
CH1430134226
1.82%
STEEL DYNAMICS
1.63%
PPG INDUSTRIES
1.57%
Frequently asked questions about XLB and VAW
How have the XLB and VAW ETFs performed in 2026?
As of May 20, 2026, XLB is up 10.17% year-to-date (YTD), while VAW has returned 8.87%. 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 +$1.33B in flows, compared to -$99M for VAW.
Which ETF is more volatile: XLB or VAW?
Over the past year, XLB had a volatility of 16.85%, while VAW experienced 17.76%.
Which ETF is bigger: XLB or VAW?
As of May 20, 2026, XLB holds $7.16 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 Materials. Meanwhile, VAW focuses on Materials.
What are the top holdings of the XLB ETF and VAW ETF?
XLB top holdings include IE000S9YS762, NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC. VAW holds in its top three: IE000S9YS762, NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC.
Which ETF is more diversified: XLB or VAW?
XLB holds 25 securities with 75.64% of its assets in the top 15. VAW has 112 securities and a top 15 weight of 64.3%.
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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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