Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVBILVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.06%0.03%
AUM$9.4B$979.0B
Dividend Yield3.65%1.09%
Holdings28509
YTD Return+1.84%+13.80%
1Y Return+3.52%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)0.7%14.1%
Max Drawdown-0.3%-34.3%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionFeb 7, 2025Sep 7, 2010

VBIL vs VOO Performance

Vanguard 0-3 Month Treasury Bill ETF (VBIL) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBIL returned +3.52% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, VBIL is up 1.84% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 0.7% for VBIL. 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 -0.3% for VBIL 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VBIL charges 0.06% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBIL currently yields 3.65% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VBIL and VOO share 0 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VBIL or VOO?

VBIL has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VBIL or VOO?

Over the past year VBIL returned +3.52% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VBIL annualized +4.61% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VBIL or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 0.7% for VBIL. Worst drawdown: VBIL -0.3% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both VBIL and VOO?

VBIL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VBIL and VOO?

VBIL and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VBIL or VOO?

VBIL yields 3.65% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VBIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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