VO vs VOT
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF
Quick Verdict
VO has a lower expense ratio. VO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VO offers more diversification with 279 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VO | VOT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $105.9B | $19.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 0.65% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 136 | |
| YTD Return | +14.37% | +9.33% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.39% | +8.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.44% | +15.30% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.03% | +5.56% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 18.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -60.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Aug 17, 2006 |
VO vs VOT Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VO returned +19.39% while VOT returned +8.58%. Year to date, VO is up 14.37% versus a gain of 9.33% for VOT.
Over three years, VO compounded at +16.44% per year against +15.30% for VOT; over five years the annualized figures are +8.03% and +5.56% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.62% annualized vs +9.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% compared with 16.9% for VO. 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 -60.3% for VOT. 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VO charges 0.03% per year while VOT charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $5 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VO currently yields 1.53% against 0.65% for VOT.
Holdings Overlap
VO and VOT share 120 holdings out of 280 unique holdings combined, representing a 44.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VO or VOT?
VO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VOT charges 0.05%. VO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VO or VOT?
Over the past year VO returned +19.39% vs +8.58% for VOT, so VO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VO annualized +9.23% vs +9.62% for VOT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VO or VOT?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 16.9% for VO. Worst drawdown: VO -60.3% vs VOT -60.3%.
Should I hold both VO and VOT?
VO and VOT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 VO and VOT?
VO and VOT share 120 common holdings with a 44.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 280 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VO or VOT?
VO yields 1.53% while VOT yields 0.65%, so VO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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