XLK vs. VGT: Here's Why State Street's Tech ETF Has The Edge

Core Insights - The Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) both focus on U.S. technology companies, with VGT having a larger asset base and more holdings, while XLK has outperformed VGT in recent returns and is slightly cheaper [2][11]. Cost & Size - Both ETFs are similarly priced with modest yields; XLK has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to VGT's 0.09% [4][5]. - As of December 15, 2025, XLK has a total asset under management (AUM) of $92.8 billion, while VGT has $130.0 billion [5]. Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past year, XLK has returned 21.49%, outperforming VGT's 18.28% [5]. - The maximum drawdown over five years for XLK is -33.55%, while VGT's is -35.08% [6]. - A $1,000 investment in XLK would have grown to $2,319 over five years, compared to $2,222 for VGT [6]. Portfolio Holdings - VGT holds over 320 stocks, with significant allocations to Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft, making it one of the largest sector ETFs with $138.0 billion in AUM [7][9]. - XLK is more concentrated with around 70 holdings and nearly 99% sector exposure, also heavily invested in Nvidia, Apple, and Microsoft [8][9]. Investment Implications - Both ETFs have shown strong performance compared to the S&P 500, with XLK having a slight edge in returns and expense ratio, making it a potentially more attractive option for investors focused on technology [11].