ECON vs VOO
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ECON delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECON | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $340M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 257 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +21.77% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.55% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.70% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.25% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ECON vs VOO Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF (ECON) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ECON returned +40.55% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, ECON is up 21.77% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, ECON compounded at +19.70% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.25% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +4.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECON has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -45.4% for ECON 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECON charges 0.47% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $3 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECON currently yields 1.35% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ECON and VOO share 1 holdings out of 751 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ECON | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.20% | 0.04% | 0.16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECON or VOO?
ECON has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECON or VOO?
Over the past year ECON returned +40.55% vs +23.01% for VOO, so ECON leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ECON annualized +4.33% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECON or VOO?
ECON has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ECON -45.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ECON and VOO?
ECON and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECON and VOO?
ECON and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 751 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECON or VOO?
ECON yields 1.35% while VOO yields 1.09%, so ECON currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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