Core Insights - The article compares two consumer staples ETFs: State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLP) and iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK), highlighting their differences in cost, portfolio composition, and sector exposure [1][2]. Cost and Size - XLP has a lower expense ratio of 0.08% compared to IYK's 0.38%, making it more cost-effective for investors [3][4]. - XLP has a larger Assets Under Management (AUM) of $15.5 billion, while IYK has an AUM of $1.3 billion [3]. - The one-year return for XLP is -5.4%, while IYK's is -3.9%, indicating IYK has outperformed XLP in the short term [3]. Performance and Risk Comparison - Over five years, XLP has a maximum drawdown of -17.8%, while IYK's is -16.3%, suggesting IYK has slightly better risk management [5]. - The growth of $1,000 invested over five years is $1,167 for XLP and $1,239 for IYK, indicating IYK has provided better returns [5]. Portfolio Composition - IYK includes 12% in healthcare and 2% in basic materials, with a total of 55 holdings, while XLP is strictly focused on consumer staples with 100% allocation and 37 holdings [6][7]. - Top holdings for IYK include Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and Philip Morris International, while XLP's largest positions are Walmart, Costco, and Procter & Gamble [6][7]. Investment Considerations - The decision between XLP and IYK may hinge on the trade-off between fees and performance, with XLP being more affordable but IYK potentially offering broader exposure [8][9]. - Investors may prefer IYK if they seek exposure to healthcare and basic materials, despite its higher fees [10][11].

Core Insights - The Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) offers lower costs and greater diversification compared to the iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK), which has shown slightly better recent performance and a marginally higher yield [1][2]. Cost and Size Comparison - IYK has an expense ratio of 0.38%, while VDC has a significantly lower expense ratio of 0.09%, making VDC more cost-effective for investors [3][8]. - As of December 1, 2025, IYK's one-year return is -2.7% and VDC's is -3.5% [3]. - IYK has a dividend yield of 2.43% compared to VDC's 2.22%, indicating a slight advantage for IYK in terms of income generation [3]. - VDC has assets under management (AUM) of $8.3 billion, significantly higher than IYK's $1.3 billion [3]. Performance and Risk Comparison - Over a five-year period, IYK experienced a maximum drawdown of -15.04%, while VDC had a drawdown of -16.56% [4]. - An investment of $1,000 in IYK would have grown to $1,268 over five years, compared to $1,254 for VDC [4]. Holdings and Sector Focus - VDC consists of 105 holdings, with 98% in consumer defensive stocks, including major positions in Walmart, Costco Wholesale, and Procter & Gamble [5]. - IYK has a smaller portfolio of 55 holdings, with a notable 11% allocation to healthcare stocks, and its largest holdings include Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola, and Philip Morris International [6]. Investment Strategy - Both ETFs provide exposure to the consumer defensive sector, which tends to perform well during market volatility [7]. - VDC focuses almost entirely on consumer defensive stocks, while IYK includes a significant allocation to healthcare, offering a different approach to sector exposure [9].