DIA vs VOO
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $44.9B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.38% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.09% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.49% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.96% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.56% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 14, 1998 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DIA vs VOO Performance
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIA returned +21.49% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, DIA is up 12.09% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, DIA compounded at +16.96% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.56% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +7.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DIA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 14.2% 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 -53.8% for DIA and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIA charges 0.16% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $3 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIA currently yields 1.38% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DIA and VOO share 8 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIA or VOO?
DIA has an expense ratio of 0.16% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIA or VOO?
Over the past year DIA returned +21.49% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DIA annualized +7.32% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIA or VOO?
DIA has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DIA -53.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DIA and VOO?
DIA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 DIA and VOO?
DIA and VOO share 8 common holdings with a 8.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIA or VOO?
DIA yields 1.38% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DIA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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