VOO vs VUG

Quick Verdict

VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVOOVUGWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.03%
AUM$979.0B$223.2B
Dividend Yield1.09%0.47%
Holdings509155
YTD Return+13.31%+9.74%
1Y Return+24.01%+18.90%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.17%+23.80%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.34%+12.79%
Volatility (annualized)14.1%16.5%
Max Drawdown-34.3%-51.4%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 7, 2010Jan 26, 2004

VOO vs VUG Performance

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Growth ETF (VUG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +24.01% while VUG returned +18.90%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.31% versus a gain of 9.74% for VUG.

Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.17% per year against +23.80% for VUG; over five years the annualized figures are +13.34% and +12.79% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +11.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -51.4% for VUG. 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 0.95. 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 VUG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 0.47% for VUG.

Holdings Overlap

57.5%overlap

VOO and VUG share 121 holdings out of 530 unique holdings combined, representing a 57.5% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VOOWeight in VUGDifference
NVDA7.51%12.60%5.09%
AAPL6.59%11.64%5.05%
MSFT4.30%7.60%3.30%
GOOGLProProPro
AMZNProProPro
GOOGProProPro
AVGOProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
LLYProProPro
See all 10 holdings VOO shares with VUG
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 VUG?

VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VUG charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VOO or VUG?

Over the past year VOO returned +24.01% vs +18.90% for VUG, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.55% vs +11.27% for VUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VOO or VUG?

VUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VUG -51.4%.

Should I hold both VOO and VUG?

VOO and VUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 VUG?

VOO and VUG share 121 common holdings with a 57.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 530 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VUG?

VOO yields 1.09% while VUG yields 0.47%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →