VCLT vs VOO
Vanguard Long Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCLT offers more diversification with 2436 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCLT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $9.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.49% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,601 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -2.57% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.41% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.85% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.67% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VCLT vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Long Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCLT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCLT returned -0.41% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, VCLT is down 2.57% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, VCLT compounded at +4.85% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -2.67% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +1.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 10.7% for VCLT. 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 -35.1% for VCLT 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCLT charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VCLT currently yields 5.49% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VCLT and VOO share 4 holdings out of 2937 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VCLT | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LRCX | 0.00% | 0.84% | 0.84% |
| DUK | 0.06% | 0.15% | 0.09% |
| MMC 4.75 03/15/39 | 0.01% | 0.12% | 0.11% |
| ADM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCLT or VOO?
VCLT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOO charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCLT or VOO?
Over the past year VCLT returned -0.41% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VCLT annualized +1.40% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCLT or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.7% for VCLT. Worst drawdown: VCLT -35.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VCLT and VOO?
VCLT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCLT and VOO?
VCLT and VOO share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2937 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCLT or VOO?
VCLT yields 5.49% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VCLT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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