GSEW vs VOO
Goldman Sachs Equal Weight US Large Cap Equity ETF 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 | GSEW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.38% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 500 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.82% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.94% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.02% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.81% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GSEW vs VOO Performance
Goldman Sachs Equal Weight US Large Cap Equity ETF (GSEW) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSEW returned +17.94% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, GSEW is up 13.82% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, GSEW compounded at +18.02% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.81% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +11.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -38.6% for GSEW 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSEW charges 0.09% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSEW currently yields 1.38% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GSEW and VOO share 381 holdings out of 584 unique holdings combined, representing a 38.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSEW or VOO?
GSEW has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSEW or VOO?
Over the past year GSEW returned +17.94% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GSEW annualized +11.98% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSEW or VOO?
GSEW has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GSEW -38.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GSEW and VOO?
GSEW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 GSEW and VOO?
GSEW and VOO share 381 common holdings with a 38.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 584 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSEW or VOO?
GSEW yields 1.38% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GSEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.