PBJ vs VOO
Invesco Food and Beverage 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 | PBJ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $91M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.12% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.56% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.04% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.76% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 23, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PBJ vs VOO Performance
Invesco Food and Beverage ETF (PBJ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBJ returned +2.56% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, PBJ is up 8.12% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, PBJ compounded at +4.04% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.76% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +6.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 13.0% for PBJ. 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 -41.7% for PBJ 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBJ charges 0.61% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $3 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBJ currently yields 1.26% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PBJ and VOO share 10 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBJ or VOO?
PBJ has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBJ or VOO?
Over the past year PBJ returned +2.56% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PBJ annualized +6.10% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBJ or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 13.0% for PBJ. Worst drawdown: PBJ -41.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PBJ and VOO?
PBJ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBJ and VOO?
PBJ and VOO share 10 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBJ or VOO?
PBJ yields 1.26% while VOO yields 1.08%, so PBJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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