XLUvsVPUETF Comparison
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State Street Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) belong to the same industry segment: US Utilities. XLU's top 1 sector exposures are Utilities. In contrast, VPU's top sector exposures are Utilities, Energy and Non-Energy Materials. XLU is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.08%, versus 0.09% for VPU. XLU is up 5.17% year-to-date (YTD) with +$411M in YTD flows. VPU performs worse with 5.01% YTD performance, and +$470M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of XLU and VPU 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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XLU vs VPU performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 08/14/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XLU VPU | -3.01%-2.89% | -0.72%-0.80% | +5.17%+5.01% | +6.05%+6.03% | +51.28%+51.28% | +48.96%+48.38% |
| Flows | XLU VPU | -$92M+$102M | +$581M+$90M | +$411M+$470M | +$855M+$885M | +$3.16B+$1.44B | +$5.72B+$1.92B |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | XLU VPU | +16.51%+16.11% | +15.11%+14.78% | +16.41%+16.06% | +17.41%+17.18% |
| Max drawdown | XLU VPU | -6.78%-6.53% | -9.19%-8.87% | -13.20%-13.00% | -25.30%-25.15% |
| Max drawdown duration | XLU VPU | 19d47d | 120d120d | 89d89d | 688d688d |
Trading data
XLU | VPU | |
Last sale 8/17/2026 at 2:42 PM | $43.95 | $190.43 |
| Previous close 08/14/2026 | $44.31 | $191.73 |
| Consolidated volume 08/14/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of July 31, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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XLU | VPU | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 8/17/2026 at 2:42 PM
Live
Closed
XLU | VPU | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $43.95 | $190.43 |
| 1D performance | -0.82% | -0.68% |
| AuM | $22.94 B | $8.60 B |
| E/R | 0.08% | 0.09% |
Characteristics
XLU | VPU | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard |
| Benchmark | S&P Utilities Select Sector Index | MSCI US IMI Utilities 25/50 Index |
| N° of holdings | 31 | 68 |
| 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
XLU
USA
100.07%
Other
-0.07%
VPU
USA
99.12%
Other
0.88%
Sectors
XLU
Utilities
100.07%
Other
-0.07%
VPU
Utilities
98.02%
Other
1.98%
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Diversification
XLU
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
72.18%
VPU
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
64.74%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of June 30, 2026
XLU
NextEra Energy, Inc.
12.94%
The Southern Co.
7.63%
Duke Energy Corp.
6.98%
Constellation Energy Corp.
5.61%
American Electric Power Co., Inc.
5.26%
Sempra
4.28%
Dominion Energy, Inc.
4.25%
Entergy Corp.
3.72%
Vistra Corp.
3.55%
Xcel Energy, Inc.
3.54%
Exelon Corp.
3.37%
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
2.88%
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
2.86%
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
2.69%
PG&E Corp.
2.62%
VPU
NextEra Energy, Inc.
11.60%
The Southern Co.
6.84%
Duke Energy Corp.
6.24%
Constellation Energy Corp.
4.85%
American Electric Power Co., Inc.
4.71%
Sempra
3.84%
Dominion Energy, Inc.
3.81%
Vistra Corp.
3.40%
Entergy Corp.
3.33%
Xcel Energy, Inc.
3.18%
Exelon Corp.
3.02%
Consolidated Edison, Inc.
2.58%
Public Service Enterprise Group, Inc.
2.57%
WEC Energy Group, Inc.
2.41%
PG&E Corp.
2.35%
Frequently asked questions about XLU and VPU
How have the XLU and VPU ETFs performed in 2026?
As of August 14, 2026, XLU is up 5.17% year-to-date (YTD), while VPU has returned 5.01%. That puts XLU better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: XLU or VPU?
Year-to-date, the XLU ETF saw +$411M in flows, compared to +$470M for VPU.
Which ETF is more volatile: XLU or VPU?
Over the past year, XLU had a volatility of 15.11%, while VPU experienced 14.78%.
Which ETF is bigger: XLU or VPU?
As of August 14, 2026, XLU holds $22.94 B in assets under management (AUM), while VPU manages $8.60 B.
What sectors do the XLU and VPU ETFs invest in?
XLU leans toward sectors like Utilities. Meanwhile, VPU focuses on Utilities.
What are the top holdings of the XLU ETF and VPU ETF?
XLU top holdings include NextEra Energy, Inc., The Southern Co. and Duke Energy Corp.. VPU holds in its top three: NextEra Energy, Inc., The Southern Co. and Duke Energy Corp..
Which ETF is more diversified: XLU or VPU?
XLU holds 31 securities with 72.18% of its assets in the top 15. VPU has 68 securities and a top 15 weight of 64.74%.
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May 2024 U.S. Sector ETFs Inflows and Outflows Breakdown
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