VMBS vs VOO
VMBS vs VOO
Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VMBS offers more diversification with 4688 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VMBS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15.6B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.15% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5,043 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.01% | +9.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.32% | +19.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.53% | +19.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.22% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VMBS vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Mortgage-Backed Securities ETF (VMBS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VMBS returned +4.32% while VOO returned +19.58%. Year to date, VMBS is up 0.01% versus a gain of 9.95% for VOO.
Over three years, VMBS compounded at +4.53% per year against +19.43% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.22% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% annualized vs +0.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 4.2% for VMBS. 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 -18.4% for VMBS 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VMBS charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VMBS currently yields 4.15% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VMBS and VOO share 0 holdings out of 5193 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, VMBS or VOO?
VMBS has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOO charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VMBS or VOO?
Over the past year VMBS returned +4.32% vs +19.58% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VMBS annualized +0.49% vs +13.35% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VMBS or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 4.2% for VMBS. Worst drawdown: VMBS -18.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VMBS and VOO?
VMBS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VMBS and VOO?
VMBS and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5193 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VMBS or VOO?
VMBS yields 4.15% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VMBS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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