PPH vs VOO
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. PPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PPH | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.36% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $985M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.92% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.38% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.44% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.85% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PPH vs VOO Performance
VanEck Pharmaceutical ETF (PPH) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, PPH is up 8.38% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, PPH compounded at +12.51% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.85% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +4.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PPH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% 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 -56.6% for PPH 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PPH charges 0.36% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $36 vs $3 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPH currently yields 1.92% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PPH and VOO share 10 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PPH or VOO?
PPH has an expense ratio of 0.36% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PPH or VOO?
Over the past year PPH returned +31.44% vs +21.79% for VOO, so PPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PPH annualized +4.13% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PPH or VOO?
PPH has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PPH -56.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PPH and VOO?
PPH and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PPH and VOO?
PPH and VOO share 10 common holdings with a 4.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PPH or VOO?
PPH yields 1.92% while VOO yields 1.08%, so PPH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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