PY vs VOO
PY vs VOO
Principal Value 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 | PY | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $235M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.44% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.72% | +24.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.52% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.03% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PY vs VOO Performance
Principal Value ETF (PY) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PY returned +16.72% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, PY is up 10.44% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.
Over three years, PY compounded at +13.52% per year against +21.17% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.03% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +9.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -45.5% for PY 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PY 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, PY currently yields 2.14% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PY and VOO share 94 holdings out of 510 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in PY | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 8.97% | 6.59% | 2.38% |
| AMZN | 2.86% | 3.62% | 0.76% |
| WMT | 2.22% | 0.77% | 1.45% |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings PY 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, PY or VOO?
PY 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, PY or VOO?
Over the past year PY returned +16.72% vs +24.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), PY annualized +9.84% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PY or VOO?
PY has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PY -45.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PY and VOO?
PY and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PY and VOO?
PY and VOO share 94 common holdings with a 28.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 510 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PY or VOO?
PY yields 2.14% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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