VCSH vs VOO
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCSH offers more diversification with 2440 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCSH | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $44.9B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.44% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,719 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.63% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.92% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.50% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.29% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VCSH vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Short Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCSH returned +2.92% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, VCSH is up 0.63% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, VCSH compounded at +5.50% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.29% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +1.28%. 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 2.6% for VCSH. 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 -12.9% for VCSH 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCSH charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VCSH currently yields 4.44% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VCSH and VOO share 3 holdings out of 2942 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, VCSH or VOO?
VCSH 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, VCSH or VOO?
Over the past year VCSH returned +2.92% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VCSH annualized +1.28% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCSH or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 2.6% for VCSH. Worst drawdown: VCSH -12.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VCSH and VOO?
VCSH and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCSH and VOO?
VCSH and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2942 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCSH or VOO?
VCSH yields 4.44% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VCSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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