VCLN vs VOO
Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VCLN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCLN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.44% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +9.62% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.97% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.29% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.41% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.4% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 3, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VCLN vs VOO Performance
Virtus Duff & Phelps Clean Energy ETF (VCLN) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCLN returned +37.97% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, VCLN is up 9.62% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, VCLN compounded at +15.29% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.41% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +3.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VCLN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.4% 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 -45.7% for VCLN 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
VCLN charges 0.59% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCLN currently yields 1.44% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VCLN and VOO share 6 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCLN or VOO?
VCLN has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCLN or VOO?
Over the past year VCLN returned +37.97% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VCLN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VCLN annualized +3.31% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCLN or VOO?
VCLN has been the more volatile fund at 27.4% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VCLN -45.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VCLN and VOO?
VCLN 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 VCLN and VOO?
VCLN and VOO share 6 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCLN or VOO?
VCLN yields 1.44% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VCLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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