Sector ETFs Guide
Sector ETFs let you target specific industries—bet on tech, healthcare, energy, or any sector you believe will outperform.
What Are Sector ETFs?
Sector ETFs hold stocks from a single industry. Instead of owning the whole market (like SPY), you can focus on technology (XLK), healthcare (XLV), or any of the 11 GICS sectors.
The 11 Sectors
| Sector | SPDR ETF | Vanguard ETF | Top Holdings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology | XLK | VGT | Apple, Microsoft, NVIDIA |
| Healthcare | XLV | VHT | UNH, JNJ, LLY |
| Financials | XLF | VFH | BRK.B, JPM, V |
| Consumer Discretionary | XLY | VCR | AMZN, TSLA, HD |
| Communication Services | XLC | VOX | META, GOOG, NFLX |
| Industrials | XLI | VIS | GE, CAT, UNP |
| Consumer Staples | XLP | VDC | PG, COST, KO |
| Energy | XLE | VDE | XOM, CVX, COP |
| Utilities | XLU | VPU | NEE, SO, DUK |
| Real Estate | XLRE | VNQ | PLD, AMT, EQIX |
| Materials | XLB | VAW | LIN, SHW, APD |
Why Use Sector ETFs
Express a View
Think AI will boom? Buy XLK or VGT. Expect oil prices to rise? Buy XLE. Sector ETFs let you act on investment themes.
Tilt Your Portfolio
Already own SPY but want more tech exposure? Add XLK to overweight technology.
Avoid Sectors
Don't want oil stocks? Build a portfolio of sector ETFs excluding energy.
Sector Rotation
Some investors rotate into sectors expected to outperform in different economic cycles. (Though timing sectors is difficult.)
Sector Performance Varies
Sectors take turns leading and lagging. In 2022, energy (XLE) was up 64% while tech (XLK) fell 28%. In 2023, tech surged while energy lagged. Concentration risk works both ways.
Costs
SPDR sector ETFs (XL series): 0.09% expense ratio
Vanguard sector ETFs: 0.10% expense ratio
Both are cheap. Trade commission-free at all major brokers.
Thematic ETFs vs. Sector ETFs
Sector ETFs: Broad industry exposure (all healthcare, all tech)
Thematic ETFs: Narrow focus (ARK Innovation, cybersecurity, clean energy)
Thematic ETFs are more concentrated and often have higher fees. Sector ETFs are broader and cheaper.
When to Use Sector ETFs
- You have conviction about an industry's prospects
- You want to overweight/underweight specific sectors
- You understand the increased volatility from concentration
When to Avoid Sector ETFs
- You don't have a specific thesis
- You want simple, diversified exposure (use VTI/VOO instead)
- You can't stomach sector underperformance
The Bottom Line
Sector ETFs are useful tools for investors with specific views on industries. But remember: sector concentration increases risk. Most investors are better served by broad market index funds.
If you do use sector ETFs, keep position sizes reasonable and be prepared for volatility. Today's leading sector can be tomorrow's laggard.