Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. PPEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: PPEMMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPPEMVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.60%0.03%
AUM$2M$979.0B
Dividend Yield49.41%1.09%
Holdings116509
YTD Return+28.48%+13.80%
1Y Return+55.32%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.92%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)16.7%14.1%
Max Drawdown-18.4%-34.3%
Fund FamilyPutnam InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 19, 2023Sep 7, 2010

PPEM vs VOO Performance

Putnam PanAgora ESG Emerging Markets Equity ETF (PPEM) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PPEM returned +55.32% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PPEM is up 28.48% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, PPEM compounded at +24.92% per year against +21.50% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, PPEM has the edge at +21.29% annualized vs +13.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PPEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -18.4% for PPEM 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PPEM charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPEM currently yields 49.41% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

PPEM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 614 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, PPEM or VOO?

PPEM has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PPEM or VOO?

Over the past year PPEM returned +55.32% vs +23.71% for VOO, so PPEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PPEM annualized +21.29% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PPEM or VOO?

PPEM has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PPEM -18.4% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both PPEM and VOO?

PPEM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PPEM and VOO?

PPEM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 614 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PPEM or VOO?

PPEM yields 49.41% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PPEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.