PLDR vs VOO
Putnam Sustainable Leaders 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 | PLDR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.55% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.67% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.88% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.14% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PLDR vs VOO Performance
Putnam Sustainable Leaders ETF (PLDR) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PLDR returned +15.67% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, PLDR is up 1.55% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, PLDR compounded at +16.88% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.14% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +9.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PLDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -29.6% for PLDR 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PLDR 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, PLDR currently yields 0.35% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PLDR and VOO share 43 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PLDR or VOO?
PLDR 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, PLDR or VOO?
Over the past year PLDR returned +15.67% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), PLDR annualized +9.09% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLDR or VOO?
PLDR has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PLDR -29.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PLDR and VOO?
PLDR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between PLDR and VOO?
PLDR and VOO share 43 common holdings with a 42.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLDR or VOO?
PLDR yields 0.35% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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