QWLD vs VOO
State Street SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. QWLD offers more diversification with 1248 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QWLD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $173M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,297 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.27% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.70% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.14% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QWLD vs VOO Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QWLD returned +18.70% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, QWLD is up 12.27% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, QWLD compounded at +17.14% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.24% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +9.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 12.6% for QWLD. 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 -31.9% for QWLD 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QWLD charges 0.30% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QWLD currently yields 1.73% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QWLD and VOO share 447 holdings out of 1306 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QWLD or VOO?
QWLD has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QWLD or VOO?
Over the past year QWLD returned +18.70% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QWLD annualized +9.27% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QWLD or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 12.6% for QWLD. Worst drawdown: QWLD -31.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QWLD and VOO?
QWLD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 QWLD and VOO?
QWLD and VOO share 447 common holdings with a 46.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1306 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QWLD or VOO?
QWLD yields 1.73% while VOO yields 1.09%, so QWLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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