VO vs VTI
VO vs VTI
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VO | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $105.9B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.56% | +11.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.95% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.55% | +20.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.86% | +11.96% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | May 24, 2001 |
VO vs VTI Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VO returned +15.95% while VTI returned +21.79%. Year to date, VO is up 12.56% versus a gain of 11.83% for VTI.
Over three years, VO compounded at +15.55% per year against +20.40% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.86% and +11.96% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.17% annualized vs +8.06%. 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 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.96. 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 VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VO currently yields 1.53% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
VO and VTI share 266 holdings out of 2796 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VO | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VRT | 1.22% | 0.18% | 1.04% |
| WDC | 1.06% | 0.30% | 0.76% |
| STX | 1.05% | 0.30% | 0.75% |
| HWM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PWR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CMI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DDOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CEG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HOOD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VO shares with VTI 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 VTI?
VO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTI charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VO or VTI?
Over the past year VO returned +15.95% vs +21.79% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VO annualized +9.17% vs +8.06% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VO or VTI?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: VO -60.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both VO and VTI?
VO and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 VTI?
VO and VTI share 266 common holdings with a 15.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VO or VTI?
VO yields 1.53% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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