VFMV vs VOO
Vanguard US Minimum Volatility 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 | VFMV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $418M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.49% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 182 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.05% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.64% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.78% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.31% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 13, 2018 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VFMV vs VOO Performance
Vanguard US Minimum Volatility ETF (VFMV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VFMV returned +14.64% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, VFMV is up 12.05% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, VFMV compounded at +14.78% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.31% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +9.94%. 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 13.2% for VFMV. 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 -33.6% for VFMV 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VFMV charges 0.13% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $3 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VFMV currently yields 1.49% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VFMV and VOO share 114 holdings out of 570 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VFMV or VOO?
VFMV has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VFMV or VOO?
Over the past year VFMV returned +14.64% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VFMV annualized +9.94% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VFMV or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.2% for VFMV. Worst drawdown: VFMV -33.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VFMV and VOO?
VFMV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VFMV and VOO?
VFMV and VOO share 114 common holdings with a 26.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 570 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VFMV or VOO?
VFMV yields 1.49% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VFMV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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