VFIAX vs VOO
VFIAX vs VOO
Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Class 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 | VFIAX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $690.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +9.21% | +9.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.13% | +19.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.85% | +19.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.12% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2000 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VFIAX vs VOO Performance
Vanguard 500 Index Fund Admiral Class (VFIAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VFIAX returned +18.13% while VOO returned +19.58%. Year to date, VFIAX is up 9.21% versus a gain of 9.95% for VOO.
Over three years, VFIAX compounded at +17.85% per year against +19.43% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.12% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% annualized vs +11.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VFIAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% compared with 14.2% 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 -25.4% for VFIAX 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VFIAX charges 0.04% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VFIAX currently yields 1.28% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VFIAX and VOO share 495 holdings out of 513 unique holdings combined, representing a 91.1% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VFIAX | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.58% | 7.51% | 0.07% |
| AAPL | 6.66% | 6.59% | 0.07% |
| MSFT | 4.92% | 4.30% | 0.62% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VFIAX 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, VFIAX or VOO?
VFIAX has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VFIAX or VOO?
Over the past year VFIAX returned +18.13% vs +19.58% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VFIAX annualized +11.12% vs +13.35% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VFIAX or VOO?
VFIAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VFIAX -25.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VFIAX and VOO?
VFIAX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 VFIAX and VOO?
VFIAX and VOO share 495 common holdings with a 91.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 513 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VFIAX or VOO?
VFIAX yields 1.28% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VFIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular Fund Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.