PGRO vs VOO
PGRO vs VOO
Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth 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 | PGRO | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $202M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.78% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.58% | +24.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.13% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.12% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PGRO vs VOO Performance
Putnam Focused Large Cap Growth ETF (PGRO) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PGRO returned +13.58% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, PGRO is up 6.78% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.
Over three years, PGRO compounded at +22.13% per year against +21.17% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.12% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +13.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.7% for PGRO 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGRO charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGRO currently yields 0.02% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PGRO and VOO share 29 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 41.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PGRO | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 14.01% | 7.51% | 6.50% |
| AAPL | 10.15% | 6.59% | 3.56% |
| MSFT | 7.86% | 4.30% | 3.56% |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PGRO shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PGRO or VOO?
PGRO has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGRO or VOO?
Over the past year PGRO returned +13.58% vs +24.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PGRO annualized +13.21% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGRO or VOO?
PGRO has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PGRO -34.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PGRO and VOO?
PGRO and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 PGRO and VOO?
PGRO and VOO share 29 common holdings with a 41.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGRO or VOO?
PGRO yields 0.02% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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