VFH vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVFHVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.09%0.03%
AUM$12.7B$979.0B
Dividend Yield1.77%1.09%
Holdings415509
YTD Return+6.56%+13.11%
1Y Return+13.50%+22.88%
3Y Return (annualized)+20.26%+21.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.91%+13.26%
Volatility (annualized)20.3%14.1%
Max Drawdown-79.9%-34.3%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 26, 2004Sep 7, 2010

VFH vs VOO Performance

Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VFH returned +13.50% while VOO returned +22.88%. Year to date, VFH is up 6.56% versus a gain of 13.11% for VOO.

Over three years, VFH compounded at +20.26% per year against +21.08% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.91% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.54% annualized vs +5.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VFH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -79.9% for VFH 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

VFH charges 0.09% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VFH currently yields 1.77% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

11.3%overlap

VFH and VOO share 73 holdings out of 844 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VFHWeight in VOODifference
JPM:US9.19%1.26%7.93%
BRK.B7.46%1.42%6.04%
MA4.88%0.64%4.24%
VProProPro
BACProProPro
GSProProPro
WFCProProPro
MSProProPro
CProProPro
AXPProProPro
See all 10 holdings VFH 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, VFH or VOO?

VFH has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VFH or VOO?

Over the past year VFH returned +13.50% vs +22.88% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VFH annualized +5.26% vs +13.54% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VFH or VOO?

VFH has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VFH -79.9% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both VFH and VOO?

VFH 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 VFH and VOO?

VFH and VOO share 73 common holdings with a 11.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 844 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VFH or VOO?

VFH yields 1.77% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VFH currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →