USAI vs VOO
Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. USAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USAI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $130M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.23% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +24.45% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.02% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.47% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.56% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
USAI vs VOO Performance
Pacer American Energy Infrastructure ETF (USAI) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USAI returned +25.02% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, USAI is up 24.45% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, USAI compounded at +24.47% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +20.56% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +11.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.6% compared with 14.1% 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 -69.3% for USAI 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
USAI charges 0.75% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USAI currently yields 4.23% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
USAI and VOO share 6 holdings out of 534 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USAI or VOO?
USAI has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USAI or VOO?
Over the past year USAI returned +25.02% vs +21.63% for VOO, so USAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), USAI annualized +11.07% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USAI or VOO?
USAI has been the more volatile fund at 28.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: USAI -69.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both USAI and VOO?
USAI 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 USAI and VOO?
USAI and VOO share 6 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USAI or VOO?
USAI yields 4.23% while VOO yields 1.09%, so USAI 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.