VIG vs VO
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VO has a lower expense ratio. VIG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VIG offers more diversification with 331 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | VO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $110.2B | $105.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 1.53% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 293 | |
| YTD Return | +12.33% | +13.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.84% | +18.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.69% | +16.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.89% | +8.03% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 16.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Jan 26, 2004 |
VIG vs VO Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +20.84% while VO returned +18.87%. Year to date, VIG is up 12.33% versus a gain of 13.87% for VO.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +16.69% per year against +16.27% for VO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.89% and +8.03% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.21% annualized vs +8.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG and -60.3% for VO. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIG charges 0.04% per year while VO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VIG currently yields 1.79% against 1.53% for VO.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and VO share 74 holdings out of 536 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIG or VO?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VO charges 0.03%. VO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIG or VO?
Over the past year VIG returned +20.84% vs +18.87% for VO, so VIG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VIG annualized +8.70% vs +9.21% for VO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or VO?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs VO -60.3%.
Should I hold both VIG and VO?
VIG and VO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VIG and VO?
VIG and VO share 74 common holdings with a 12.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VO?
VIG yields 1.79% while VO yields 1.53%, so VIG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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