VOO vs WIA
VOO vs WIA
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund
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 | WIA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.83% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $205M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 6.98% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 161 | |
| YTD Return | +9.95% | +0.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.58% | +2.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.43% | +6.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.89% | -1.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 9.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -43.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 30, 2003 |
VOO vs WIA Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Inflation-Linked Income Fund (WIA) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VOO returned +19.58% while WIA returned +2.58%. Year to date, VOO is up 9.95% versus a gain of 0.52% for WIA.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +19.43% per year against +6.05% for WIA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.89% and -1.34% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% annualized vs -0.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 9.8% for WIA. 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 -43.6% for WIA. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while WIA charges 0.83%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $83 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 6.98% for WIA.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and WIA share 0 holdings out of 594 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 WIA?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WIA charges 0.83%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or WIA?
Over the past year VOO returned +19.58% vs +2.58% for WIA, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.35% vs -0.47% for WIA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or WIA?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 9.8% for WIA. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs WIA -43.6%.
Should I hold both VOO and WIA?
VOO and WIA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and WIA?
VOO and WIA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 594 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or WIA?
VOO yields 1.09% while WIA yields 6.98%, so WIA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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