EPU vs VOO
iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EPU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $536M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +25.05% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +76.43% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +45.82% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +33.10% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EPU vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Peru and Global Exposure ETF (EPU) 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 EPU returned +76.43% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, EPU is up 25.05% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, EPU compounded at +45.82% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +33.10% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +9.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -64.6% for EPU 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPU charges 0.59% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPU currently yields 2.04% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EPU 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, EPU or VOO?
EPU has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPU or VOO?
Over the past year EPU returned +76.43% vs +21.63% for VOO, so EPU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EPU annualized +9.28% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPU or VOO?
EPU has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EPU -64.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EPU and VOO?
EPU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPU and VOO?
EPU and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPU or VOO?
EPU yields 2.04% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EPU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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