IEO vs VOO
iShares US Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. IEO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEO | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $589M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +44.34% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +50.57% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +25.14% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IEO vs VOO Performance
iShares US Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (IEO) 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 IEO returned +50.57% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, IEO is up 44.34% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, IEO compounded at +13.40% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +25.14% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +5.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.2% 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 -80.7% for IEO 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEO charges 0.37% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $3 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEO currently yields 1.87% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IEO and VOO share 11 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEO or VOO?
IEO has an expense ratio of 0.37% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEO or VOO?
Over the past year IEO returned +50.57% vs +21.79% for VOO, so IEO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IEO annualized +5.53% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEO or VOO?
IEO has been the more volatile fund at 32.2% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: IEO -80.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IEO and VOO?
IEO and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEO and VOO?
IEO and VOO share 11 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEO or VOO?
IEO yields 1.87% while VOO yields 1.08%, so IEO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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