PGJ vs VOO
Invesco Golden Dragon China 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 | PGJ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $94M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.40% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -14.64% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.44% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -1.46% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -9.61% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2004 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PGJ vs VOO Performance
Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PGJ returned -10.44% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PGJ is down 14.64% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, PGJ compounded at -1.46% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -9.61% 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
PGJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.2% 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 -78.4% for PGJ 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PGJ charges 0.70% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PGJ currently yields 3.40% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PGJ and VOO share 0 holdings out of 577 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PGJ or VOO?
PGJ has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PGJ or VOO?
Over the past year PGJ returned -10.44% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PGJ annualized +3.19% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PGJ or VOO?
PGJ has been the more volatile fund at 30.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PGJ -78.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PGJ and VOO?
PGJ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PGJ and VOO?
PGJ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PGJ or VOO?
PGJ yields 3.40% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PGJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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