LVOL vs VOO
American Century Low Volatility 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LVOL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $9M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 201 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -4.83% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.40% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.97% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 12, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
LVOL vs VOO Performance
American Century Low Volatility ETF (LVOL) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LVOL returned +5.40% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, LVOL is down 4.83% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, LVOL compounded at +5.97% per year against +21.55% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +7.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.4% 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 -22.4% for LVOL 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LVOL 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, LVOL currently yields 1.09% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LVOL or VOO?
LVOL 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, LVOL or VOO?
Over the past year LVOL returned +5.40% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), LVOL annualized +7.65% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LVOL or VOO?
LVOL has been the more volatile fund at 14.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: LVOL -22.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both LVOL and VOO?
LVOL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
Which pays a higher dividend, LVOL or VOO?
LVOL yields 1.09% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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