AOA vs VOO
AOA vs VOO
iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AOA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.05% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.74% | +13.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.22% | +22.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.72% | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.09% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AOA vs VOO Performance
iShares Core 80/20 Aggressive Allocation ETF (AOA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AOA returned +20.22% while VOO returned +22.88%. Year to date, AOA is up 10.74% versus a gain of 13.11% for VOO.
Over three years, AOA compounded at +16.72% per year against +21.08% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.09% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.54% annualized vs +8.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.9% for AOA. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -28.4% for AOA and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOA charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOA currently yields 2.05% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AOA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 513 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AOA or VOO?
AOA has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOA or VOO?
Over the past year AOA returned +20.22% vs +22.88% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AOA annualized +8.74% vs +13.54% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.9% for AOA. Worst drawdown: AOA -28.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AOA and VOO?
AOA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between AOA and VOO?
AOA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 513 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOA or VOO?
AOA yields 2.05% while VOO yields 1.09%, so AOA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.