PHO vs VOO
Invesco Water Resources 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 | PHO | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.58% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.90% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.32% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PHO vs VOO Performance
Invesco Water Resources ETF (PHO) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHO returned -0.32% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, PHO is up 1.90% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, PHO compounded at +8.84% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.86% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +7.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% compared with 14.2% 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 -55.8% for PHO 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHO charges 0.59% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHO currently yields 0.58% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PHO and VOO share 13 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHO or VOO?
PHO has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHO or VOO?
Over the past year PHO returned -0.32% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PHO annualized +7.85% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHO or VOO?
PHO has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PHO -55.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PHO and VOO?
PHO and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PHO and VOO?
PHO and VOO share 13 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHO or VOO?
PHO yields 0.58% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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