POWR vs VOO
iShares US Power Infrastructure 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 | POWR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $463M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.79% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.40% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.72% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.59% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.30% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
POWR vs VOO Performance
iShares US Power Infrastructure ETF (POWR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year POWR returned +12.72% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, POWR is up 8.40% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, POWR compounded at +6.59% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +16.30% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +1.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
POWR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -72.1% for POWR 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
POWR charges 0.39% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, POWR currently yields 5.79% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
POWR and VOO share 35 holdings out of 538 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, POWR or VOO?
POWR has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, POWR or VOO?
Over the past year POWR returned +12.72% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), POWR annualized +1.88% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, POWR or VOO?
POWR has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: POWR -72.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both POWR and VOO?
POWR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between POWR and VOO?
POWR and VOO share 35 common holdings with a 3.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, POWR or VOO?
POWR yields 5.79% while VOO yields 1.08%, so POWR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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