USSG vs VOO
Xtrackers MSCI USA Selection Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. USSG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USSG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $599M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 269 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.79% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.20% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.59% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 6, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
USSG vs VOO Performance
Xtrackers MSCI USA Selection Equity ETF (USSG) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USSG returned +24.20% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, USSG is up 14.79% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, USSG compounded at +22.59% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.40% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, USSG has the edge at +16.69% annualized vs +13.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USSG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -34.4% for USSG 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USSG charges 0.09% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USSG currently yields 1.00% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
USSG and VOO share 237 holdings out of 532 unique holdings combined, representing a 52.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USSG or VOO?
USSG has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USSG or VOO?
Over the past year USSG returned +24.20% vs +21.79% for VOO, so USSG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), USSG annualized +16.69% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USSG or VOO?
USSG has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: USSG -34.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both USSG and VOO?
USSG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 USSG and VOO?
USSG and VOO share 237 common holdings with a 52.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USSG or VOO?
USSG yields 1.00% while VOO yields 1.08%, 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.