VO vs VOO
VO vs VOO
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VO | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $105.9B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.56% | +11.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.95% | +21.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.55% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.86% | +13.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VO vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VO returned +15.95% while VOO returned +21.46%. Year to date, VO is up 12.56% versus a gain of 11.51% for VOO.
Over three years, VO compounded at +15.55% per year against +20.86% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.86% and +13.01% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.44% annualized vs +9.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -60.3% for VO 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VO charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VO currently yields 1.53% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VO and VOO share 243 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VO | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VRT | 1.22% | 0.20% | 1.02% |
| WDC | 1.06% | 0.34% | 0.72% |
| STX | 1.05% | 0.34% | 0.71% |
| HWM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PWR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CMI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DDOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CEG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HOOD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VO 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, VO or VOO?
VO 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, VO or VOO?
Over the past year VO returned +15.95% vs +21.46% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VO annualized +9.17% vs +13.44% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VO or VOO?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VO -60.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VO and VOO?
VO and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 VO and VOO?
VO and VOO share 243 common holdings with a 16.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VO or VOO?
VO yields 1.53% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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