RTH vs VOO
VanEck Retail 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 | RTH | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $250M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.09% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.89% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.38% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.58% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 20, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
RTH vs VOO Performance
VanEck Retail ETF (RTH) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RTH returned +9.89% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, RTH is up 8.09% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, RTH compounded at +15.38% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.58% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +9.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RTH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -42.4% for RTH 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RTH charges 0.35% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RTH currently yields 0.95% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
RTH and VOO share 24 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RTH or VOO?
RTH has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RTH or VOO?
Over the past year RTH returned +9.89% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RTH annualized +9.84% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RTH or VOO?
RTH has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: RTH -42.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both RTH and VOO?
RTH and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RTH and VOO?
RTH and VOO share 24 common holdings with a 7.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RTH or VOO?
RTH yields 0.95% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.