EIRL vs VOO
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EIRL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EIRL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $79M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.36% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.06% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.21% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.43% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.65% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 5, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EIRL vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Ireland ETF (EIRL) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EIRL returned +23.21% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, EIRL is up 13.06% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, EIRL compounded at +16.43% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.65% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +9.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EIRL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -48.3% for EIRL 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EIRL charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EIRL currently yields 2.36% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EIRL and VOO share 0 holdings out of 531 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, EIRL or VOO?
EIRL has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EIRL or VOO?
Over the past year EIRL returned +23.21% vs +21.62% for VOO, so EIRL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EIRL annualized +9.32% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EIRL or VOO?
EIRL has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EIRL -48.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EIRL and VOO?
EIRL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EIRL and VOO?
EIRL and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EIRL or VOO?
EIRL yields 2.36% while VOO yields 1.08%, so EIRL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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