VOO vs VWO
VOO vs VWO
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWO offers more diversification with 3982 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VWO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $122.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.37% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 6,334 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +10.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.71% | +22.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.50% | +17.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.44% | +6.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -68.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Mar 4, 2005 |
VOO vs VWO Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +23.71% while VWO returned +22.27%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.80% versus a gain of 10.22% for VWO.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.50% per year against +17.07% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.44% and +6.56% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +4.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -68.3% for VWO. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VWO charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 2.37% for VWO.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VWO share 0 holdings out of 4487 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or VWO?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VWO charges 0.06%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VWO?
Over the past year VOO returned +23.71% vs +22.27% for VWO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.58% vs +4.99% for VWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VWO?
VWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VWO -68.3%.
Should I hold both VOO and VWO?
VOO and VWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VWO?
VOO and VWO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4487 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VWO?
VOO yields 1.09% while VWO yields 2.37%, so VWO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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