VOO vs WABF
VOO vs WABF
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Western Asset Bond 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 | WABF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 5.01% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 449 | |
| YTD Return | +13.31% | -0.49% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.01% | +2.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.17% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.34% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 6.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -5.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 19, 2023 |
VOO vs WABF Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Bond ETF (WABF) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VOO returned +24.01% while WABF returned +2.04%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.31% versus a loss of 0.49% for WABF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 6.5% for WABF. 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 -5.4% for WABF. 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while WABF charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 5.01% for WABF.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and WABF share 0 holdings out of 794 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 WABF?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WABF charges 0.35%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or WABF?
Over the past year VOO returned +24.01% vs +2.04% for WABF, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VOO annualized +13.55% vs +5.33% for WABF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or WABF?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.5% for WABF. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs WABF -5.4%.
Should I hold both VOO and WABF?
VOO and WABF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and WABF?
VOO and WABF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 794 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or WABF?
VOO yields 1.09% while WABF yields 5.01%, so WABF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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