VOO vs VOT

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

MetricVOOVOTWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.05%
AUM$979.0B$19.9B
Dividend Yield1.09%0.65%
Holdings509136
YTD Return+9.95%+5.41%
1Y Return+19.58%+2.15%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.43%+12.47%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.89%+4.86%
Volatility (annualized)14.2%18.6%
Max Drawdown-34.3%-60.3%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 7, 2010Aug 17, 2006

VOO vs VOT Performance

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +19.58% while VOT returned +2.15%. Year to date, VOO is up 9.95% versus a gain of 5.41% for VOT.

Over three years, VOO compounded at +19.43% per year against +12.47% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and +4.86% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% annualized vs +9.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -34.3% for VOO and -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VOO charges 0.03% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 0.65% for VOT.

Holdings Overlap

7.0%overlap

VOO and VOT share 95 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VOOWeight in VOTDifference
VRT0.20%2.82%2.62%
WDC0.34%2.41%2.07%
STX0.34%2.37%2.03%
PWRProProPro
HWMProProPro
DDOGProProPro
CEGProProPro
HOODProProPro
COHRProProPro
RCLProProPro
See all 10 holdings VOO shares with VOT
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VOO or VOT?

VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOT charges 0.05%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VOO or VOT?

Over the past year VOO returned +19.58% vs +2.15% for VOT, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.35% vs +9.43% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VOO or VOT?

VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VOT -60.3%.

Should I hold both VOO and VOT?

VOO and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 VOO and VOT?

VOO and VOT share 95 common holdings with a 7.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VOT?

VOO yields 1.09% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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