VALQ vs VOO
American Century US Quality Value 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VALQ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $330M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.80% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 227 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +9.57% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.69% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.59% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.99% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2018 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VALQ vs VOO Performance
American Century US Quality Value ETF (VALQ) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VALQ returned +16.69% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, VALQ is up 9.57% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, VALQ compounded at +14.59% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.99% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +8.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VALQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -38.2% for VALQ 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VALQ charges 0.29% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VALQ currently yields 1.80% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VALQ and VOO share 154 holdings out of 574 unique holdings combined, representing a 28.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VALQ or VOO?
VALQ has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VALQ or VOO?
Over the past year VALQ returned +16.69% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VALQ annualized +8.29% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VALQ or VOO?
VALQ has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VALQ -38.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VALQ and VOO?
VALQ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VALQ and VOO?
VALQ and VOO share 154 common holdings with a 28.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 574 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VALQ or VOO?
VALQ yields 1.80% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VALQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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