VGI 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

MetricVGIVOOWinner
Expense Ratio1.74%0.03%
AUM$88M$979.0B
Dividend Yield11.98%1.09%
Holdings646509
YTD Return+1.47%+13.80%
1Y Return+5.12%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.60%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+2.10%+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)14.2%14.1%
Max Drawdown-63.3%-34.3%
Fund FamilyVirtus Investment PartnersVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionFeb 23, 2012Sep 7, 2010

VGI vs VOO Performance

Virtus Global Multi-Sector Income Fund (VGI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGI returned +5.12% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, VGI is up 1.47% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, VGI compounded at +11.60% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.10% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -2.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% 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 -63.3% for VGI 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VGI charges 1.74% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $174 vs $3 annually, a gap of $171 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGI currently yields 11.98% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VGI and VOO share 0 holdings out of 939 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, VGI or VOO?

VGI has an expense ratio of 1.74% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $171 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VGI or VOO?

Over the past year VGI returned +5.12% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), VGI annualized -2.38% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VGI or VOO?

VGI has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VGI -63.3% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both VGI and VOO?

VGI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VGI and VOO?

VGI and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 939 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VGI or VOO?

VGI yields 11.98% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VGI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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