ROBO vs VOO
ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ROBO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ROBO | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.22% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.91% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.95% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.16% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Robo Global | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ROBO vs VOO Performance
ROBO Global Robotics and Automation Index ETF (ROBO) is a ETF from Robo Global and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ROBO returned +32.91% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, ROBO is up 20.22% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, ROBO compounded at +15.95% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.16% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +10.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ROBO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -43.6% for ROBO 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ROBO charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ROBO currently yields 0.35% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ROBO and VOO share 17 holdings out of 565 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ROBO or VOO?
ROBO has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ROBO or VOO?
Over the past year ROBO returned +32.91% vs +22.02% for VOO, so ROBO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ROBO annualized +10.12% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ROBO or VOO?
ROBO has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ROBO -43.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ROBO and VOO?
ROBO and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ROBO and VOO?
ROBO and VOO share 17 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 565 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ROBO or VOO?
ROBO yields 0.35% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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