GHYG vs VOO
GHYG vs VOO
iShares US & International High Yield Corp Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. GHYG offers more diversification with 780 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GHYG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $193M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.24% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,730 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -1.95% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.27% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.95% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.71% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GHYG vs VOO Performance
iShares US & International High Yield Corp Bond ETF (GHYG) 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 GHYG returned +0.27% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, GHYG is down 1.95% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, GHYG compounded at +6.95% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.71% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +4.23%. 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 8.0% for GHYG. 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 -52.4% for GHYG 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GHYG charges 0.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GHYG currently yields 6.24% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GHYG and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1285 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, GHYG or VOO?
GHYG has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GHYG or VOO?
Over the past year GHYG returned +0.27% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), GHYG annualized +4.23% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GHYG or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 8.0% for GHYG. Worst drawdown: GHYG -52.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GHYG and VOO?
GHYG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GHYG and VOO?
GHYG and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1285 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GHYG or VOO?
GHYG yields 6.24% while VOO yields 1.09%, so GHYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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