VOO vs VSLU
VOO vs VSLU
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VSLU offers more diversification with 586 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VSLU | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.49% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $545M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 591 | |
| YTD Return | +11.51% | +9.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.46% | +19.75% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.86% | +20.76% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.01% | +13.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 14.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -23.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Applied Finance Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Apr 29, 2021 |
VOO vs VSLU Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF (VSLU) is a ETF from Applied Finance Funds. Over the past year VOO returned +21.46% while VSLU returned +19.75%. Year to date, VOO is up 11.51% versus a gain of 9.67% for VSLU.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +20.86% per year against +20.76% for VSLU; over five years the annualized figures are +13.01% and +13.20% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VSLU has the edge at +13.90% annualized vs +13.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% 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 -23.9% for VSLU. 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 0.98. 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 VSLU charges 0.49%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $49 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 0.45% for VSLU.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VSLU share 322 holdings out of 769 unique holdings combined, representing a 61.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VOO | Weight in VSLU | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.51% | 8.52% | 1.01% |
| AAPL | 6.59% | 9.15% | 2.56% |
| GOOGL | 3.25% | 8.64% | 5.39% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VOO shares with VSLU 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 VSLU?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VSLU charges 0.49%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VSLU?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.46% vs +19.75% for VSLU, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VOO annualized +13.44% vs +13.90% for VSLU. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VSLU?
VSLU has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VSLU -23.9%.
Should I hold both VOO and VSLU?
VOO and VSLU have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 VSLU?
VOO and VSLU share 322 common holdings with a 61.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 769 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VSLU?
VOO yields 1.09% while VSLU yields 0.45%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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