VGK vs VOO
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VGK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VGK offers more diversification with 958 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $30.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.94% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,251 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +11.16% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.18% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.17% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.29% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 4, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VGK vs VOO Performance
Vanguard FTSE Europe ETF (VGK) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGK returned +23.18% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, VGK is up 11.16% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, VGK compounded at +18.17% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.29% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VGK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -67.3% for VGK 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGK charges 0.06% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGK currently yields 2.94% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VGK and VOO share 4 holdings out of 1459 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGK or VOO?
VGK has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGK or VOO?
Over the past year VGK returned +23.18% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VGK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VGK annualized +3.69% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGK or VOO?
VGK has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VGK -67.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VGK and VOO?
VGK and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGK and VOO?
VGK and VOO share 4 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1459 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGK or VOO?
VGK yields 2.94% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VGK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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