PBW vs VOO
Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. PBW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PBW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $386M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.21% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.30% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +51.16% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.86% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -14.55% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -89.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 3, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PBW vs VOO Performance
Invesco WilderHill Clean Energy ETF (PBW) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PBW returned +51.16% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PBW is up 8.30% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, PBW compounded at -2.86% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -14.55% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -3.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PBW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.5% 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 -89.7% for PBW 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PBW charges 0.64% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $3 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PBW currently yields 1.21% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PBW and VOO share 5 holdings out of 569 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PBW or VOO?
PBW has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PBW or VOO?
Over the past year PBW returned +51.16% vs +23.71% for VOO, so PBW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PBW annualized -3.19% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PBW or VOO?
PBW has been the more volatile fund at 35.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PBW -89.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PBW and VOO?
PBW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PBW and VOO?
PBW and VOO share 5 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 569 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PBW or VOO?
PBW yields 1.21% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PBW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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