Vanguard Utilities ETF

Frequently Asked Questions About VPU

What does VPU invest in?

This exchange-traded fund endeavors to replicate the investment returns of a benchmark index dedicated to the utilities industry. It is passively managed, typically striving for full replication of the index's holdings, but may adopt a sampling strategy if regulatory dictates necessitate. The portfolio includes shares of companies involved in the distribution of electricity, water, or natural gas, as well as firms operating as independent power producers.

What is the expense ratio of VPU?

Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) charges an expense ratio of 0.09%. This is the annual fee deducted from fund assets to cover management and operations.

How big is VPU?

Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) manages $10.80B in total assets. AUM determines bid-ask liquidity and the fund's vulnerability to closure — funds below ~$50M are at higher risk of liquidation.

Is VPU actively managed or an index fund?

VPU is a passive index fund — it tracks a published benchmark by holding the constituents in their published weights. Index funds typically charge low expense ratios (VPU's is 0.09%) because there's no security selection cost.

When was VPU launched?

Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) launched in January 2004 and is managed by Vanguard.

How has VPU performed?

VPU's total return — price change plus reinvested distributions — is charted at the top of this page. Switch the price chart to Total Return and pick a 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, or 10-year window to read the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over each horizon.