VDC vs VOO
Vanguard Consumer Staples 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 | VDC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.33% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 107 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.43% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.65% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.91% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.89% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VDC vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VDC returned +5.65% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, VDC is up 10.43% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, VDC compounded at +7.91% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.89% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +7.58%. 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 11.8% for VDC. 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 -36.6% for VDC 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VDC charges 0.09% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VDC currently yields 2.33% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VDC and VOO share 35 holdings out of 575 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VDC or VOO?
VDC has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VDC or VOO?
Over the past year VDC returned +5.65% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VDC annualized +7.58% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VDC or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 11.8% for VDC. Worst drawdown: VDC -36.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VDC and VOO?
VDC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VDC and VOO?
VDC and VOO share 35 common holdings with a 4.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 575 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VDC or VOO?
VDC yields 2.33% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VDC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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