XLE vs VDE: Dividend Yield, Total Return & Fees Compared

This page compares State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) with Vanguard Energy Index Fund ETF Shares (VDE) using prices and distributions through November 9, 2026. The numbers update automatically after each trading session.

With dividends reinvested, XLE has led over the last 12 months at +42.28% versus +40.23% for VDE. XLE currently yields 2.46% (trailing 12-month) against 2.37% for VDE. Across five years the total-return gap is +149.88% for XLE vs +143.89% for VDE.

XLE leads on both current yield and 1-year total return. Yields and returns move with markets, so check the longer periods below before drawing conclusions.

Across 1,265 shared trading dates from October 26, 2021 to November 9, 2026, the largest observed peak-to-trough decline with dividends reinvested was -26.08% for XLE and -26.56% for VDE. These figures use the same available dates for both instruments, exclude intraday moves, and are not forecasts.

XLE's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.373 to $0.3852 per share across 4 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

VDE's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.9689 to $1.05 per share across 4 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

Fund expense ratios are annual operating costs, not a bill added to the historical returns shown here. Trading spreads, brokerage costs and personal taxes can reduce an investor's realized return.

Identify each fund's index and sector coverage before comparing returns. Review concentration and fees as well as yield; overlapping fund names can hide different portfolios.

Review State Street Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLE) payment history and Vanguard Energy Index Fund ETF Shares (VDE) payment history before choosing assumptions for the dividend reinvestment calculator. Run each scenario separately; the calculator uses your rates rather than importing these historical returns.

For a cash target, use the income goal calculator. Read our guide to comparing dividend ETFs and data and editorial approach for context on the historical figures.