LCAP vs VOO
Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. LCAP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LCAP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.45% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.60% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
LCAP vs VOO Performance
Principal Capital Appreciation Select ETF (LCAP) is a ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LCAP returned +24.60% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, LCAP is up 14.45% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 10.8% for LCAP. 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 -11.3% for LCAP 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LCAP 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, LCAP currently yields 0.09% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
LCAP and VOO share 45 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LCAP or VOO?
LCAP 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, LCAP or VOO?
Over the past year LCAP returned +24.60% vs +23.71% for VOO, so LCAP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), LCAP annualized +25.19% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LCAP or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.8% for LCAP. Worst drawdown: LCAP -11.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both LCAP and VOO?
LCAP and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 LCAP and VOO?
LCAP and VOO share 45 common holdings with a 46.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LCAP or VOO?
LCAP yields 0.09% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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