VO vs VV
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Large-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VV offers more diversification with 431 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VO | VV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $105.9B | $52.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.25% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 446 | |
| YTD Return | +13.82% | +13.62% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.00% | +23.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.98% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.06% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -56.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Jan 27, 2004 |
VO vs VV Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VO returned +18.00% while VV returned +23.22%. Year to date, VO is up 13.82% versus a gain of 13.62% for VV.
Over three years, VO compounded at +15.98% per year against +21.70% for VV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.06% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VV has the edge at +9.53% annualized vs +9.21%. 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 14.8% for VV. 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 -56.0% for VV. 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 0.95. 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 VV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VO currently yields 1.53% against 1.25% for VV.
Holdings Overlap
VO and VV share 276 holdings out of 434 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VO or VV?
VO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VV charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VO or VV?
Over the past year VO returned +18.00% vs +23.22% for VV, so VV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VO annualized +9.21% vs +9.53% for VV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VO or VV?
VO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.8% for VV. Worst drawdown: VO -60.3% vs VV -56.0%.
Should I hold both VO and VV?
VO and VV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 VV?
VO and VV share 276 common holdings with a 17.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 434 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VO or VV?
VO yields 1.53% while VV yields 1.25%, so VO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.