URTH vs VOO
iShares MSCI World ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. URTH delivered stronger 1-year returns. URTH offers more diversification with 1,310 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | URTH | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $8.4B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 1,310 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.85% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.97% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.13% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.40% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
URTH vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year URTH returned +21.97% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, URTH is up 12.85% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, URTH compounded at +21.13% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.40% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +10.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 14.0% for URTH. 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 -34.0% for URTH 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
URTH charges 0.24% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, URTH currently yields 1.40% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
URTH and VOO share 392 holdings out of 1166 unique holdings combined, representing a 66.8% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, URTH or VOO?
URTH has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, URTH or VOO?
Over the past year URTH returned +21.97% vs +21.87% for VOO, so URTH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), URTH annualized +10.84% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, URTH or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 14.0% for URTH. Worst drawdown: URTH -34.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both URTH and VOO?
URTH and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 URTH and VOO?
URTH and VOO share 392 common holdings with a 66.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1166 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, URTH or VOO?
URTH yields 1.40% while VOO yields 1.08%, so URTH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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