VEGI vs VOO
iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEGI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $147M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.89% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 159 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.33% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.96% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.68% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.57% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VEGI vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Agriculture Producers ETF (VEGI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEGI returned +12.96% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, VEGI is up 14.33% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, VEGI compounded at +6.68% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.57% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +4.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% compared with 14.1% 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 -39.7% for VEGI 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEGI charges 0.39% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEGI currently yields 1.89% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VEGI and VOO share 6 holdings out of 628 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEGI or VOO?
VEGI has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEGI or VOO?
Over the past year VEGI returned +12.96% vs +20.69% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), VEGI annualized +4.66% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEGI or VOO?
VEGI has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VEGI -39.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VEGI and VOO?
VEGI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEGI and VOO?
VEGI and VOO share 6 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 628 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEGI or VOO?
VEGI yields 1.89% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VEGI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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