VGSH vs VOO
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VGSH | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $29.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.87% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 94 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.71% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.54% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.26% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.88% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
VGSH vs VOO Performance
Vanguard Short Term Treasury ETF (VGSH) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGSH returned +2.54% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, VGSH is up 0.71% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, VGSH compounded at +4.26% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.88% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +0.71%. 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 1.4% for VGSH. 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 -6.7% for VGSH 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 0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGSH charges 0.03% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VGSH currently yields 3.87% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
VGSH and VOO share 0 holdings out of 581 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, VGSH or VOO?
VGSH 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, VGSH or VOO?
Over the past year VGSH returned +2.54% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VGSH annualized +0.71% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VGSH or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 1.4% for VGSH. Worst drawdown: VGSH -6.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both VGSH and VOO?
VGSH and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VGSH and VOO?
VGSH and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 581 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGSH or VOO?
VGSH yields 3.87% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VGSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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