HWAY vs VOO
Themes US Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. HWAY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HWAY | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 197 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.56% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.28% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HWAY vs VOO Performance
Themes US Infrastructure ETF (HWAY) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HWAY returned +28.28% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, HWAY is up 20.56% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HWAY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -25.8% for HWAY 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
HWAY charges 0.29% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HWAY currently yields 1.05% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HWAY and VOO share 25 holdings out of 579 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HWAY or VOO?
HWAY has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HWAY or VOO?
Over the past year HWAY returned +28.28% vs +21.79% for VOO, so HWAY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HWAY annualized +25.42% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HWAY or VOO?
HWAY has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HWAY -25.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HWAY and VOO?
HWAY 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 HWAY and VOO?
HWAY and VOO share 25 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 579 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HWAY or VOO?
HWAY yields 1.05% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO 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.