VOO vs VOX
VOO vs VOX
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Communication Services ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VOX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $5.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.06% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 117 | |
| YTD Return | +13.11% | -3.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.88% | +7.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.08% | +20.15% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | +6.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 16.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -57.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 23, 2004 |
VOO vs VOX Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +22.88% while VOX returned +7.43%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.11% versus a loss of 3.02% for VOX.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.08% per year against +20.15% for VOX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and +6.25% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.54% annualized vs +8.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -34.3% for VOO and -57.2% for VOX. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VOX charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $9 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 1.06% for VOX.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VOX share 23 holdings out of 595 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VOO | Weight in VOX | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| META | 1.92% | 20.31% | 18.39% |
| GOOGL | 3.25% | 14.40% | 11.15% |
| GOOG | 2.59% | 7.79% | 5.20% |
| NFLX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DIS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CMCSA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TMUS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WBD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VOO shares with VOX 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, VOO or VOX?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOX charges 0.09%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VOX?
Over the past year VOO returned +22.88% vs +7.43% for VOX, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.54% vs +8.69% for VOX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VOX?
VOX has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VOX -57.2%.
Should I hold both VOO and VOX?
VOO and VOX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VOX?
VOO and VOX share 23 common holdings with a 9.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 595 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VOX?
VOO yields 1.09% while VOX yields 1.06%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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