VOO vs VPU
VOO vs VPU
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Utilities 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 | VPU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $8.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 70 | |
| YTD Return | +13.31% | +2.08% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.01% | +3.78% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | +14.12% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.34% | +8.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 13.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -48.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VOO vs VPU Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +24.01% while VPU returned +3.78%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.31% versus a gain of 2.08% for VPU.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.17% per year against +14.12% for VPU; over five years the annualized figures are +13.34% and +8.32% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +6.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.9% for VPU. 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 -48.4% for VPU. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VPU 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 2.86% for VPU.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VPU share 31 holdings out of 542 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VOO | Weight in VPU | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 0.28% | 11.60% | 11.32% |
| SO | 0.17% | 6.84% | 6.67% |
| DUK | 0.15% | 6.24% | 6.09% |
| CEG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| D | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VOO shares with VPU 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 VPU?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VPU 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 VPU?
Over the past year VOO returned +24.01% vs +3.78% for VPU, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.55% vs +6.88% for VPU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VPU?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.9% for VPU. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VPU -48.4%.
Should I hold both VOO and VPU?
VOO and VPU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VPU?
VOO and VPU share 31 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VPU?
VOO yields 1.09% while VPU yields 2.86%, so VPU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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