VO vs VONG
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VO has a lower expense ratio. VO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VONG offers more diversification with 373 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VO | VONG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $106.6B | $43.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 0.48% | |
| Holdings | 289 | 373 | |
| YTD Return | +11.90% | +3.04% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.49% | +10.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.06% | +20.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.18% | +11.48% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -32.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Sep 20, 2010 |
VO vs VONG Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Russell 1000 Growth ETF (VONG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VO returned +14.49% while VONG returned +10.30%. Year to date, VO is up 11.90% versus a gain of 3.04% for VONG.
Over three years, VO compounded at +16.06% per year against +20.57% for VONG; over five years the annualized figures are +7.18% and +11.48% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VONG has the edge at +15.53% annualized vs +9.10%. 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 15.9% for VONG. 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 -60.3% for VO and -32.7% for VONG. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VO charges 0.03% per year while VONG charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VO currently yields 1.32% against 0.48% for VONG.
Holdings Overlap
VO and VONG share 103 holdings out of 547 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VO or VONG?
VO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VONG charges 0.06%. VO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VO or VONG?
Over the past year VO returned +14.49% vs +10.30% for VONG, so VO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VO annualized +9.10% vs +15.53% for VONG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VO or VONG?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.9% for VONG. Worst drawdown: VO -60.3% vs VONG -32.7%.
Should I hold both VO and VONG?
VO and VONG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VO and VONG?
VO and VONG share 103 common holdings with a 10.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VO or VONG?
VO yields 1.32% while VONG yields 0.48%, so VO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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