VO vs VXF
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard Extended Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VO has a lower expense ratio. VXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXF offers more diversification with 2462 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VO | VXF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $105.9B | $31.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.21% | |
| Holdings | 293 | 3,376 | |
| YTD Return | +15.95% | +18.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.52% | +24.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.94% | +19.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.30% | +7.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -59.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Dec 27, 2001 |
VO vs VXF Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Extended Market ETF (VXF) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VO returned +18.52% while VXF returned +24.38%. Year to date, VO is up 15.95% versus a gain of 18.79% for VXF.
Over three years, VO compounded at +16.94% per year against +19.78% for VXF; over five years the annualized figures are +8.30% and +7.27% respectively. Across the full 23-year window we track, VO has the edge at +9.30% annualized vs +9.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -59.4% for VXF. 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 VXF 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 1.21% for VXF.
Holdings Overlap
VO and VXF share 31 holdings out of 2710 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VO or VXF?
VO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VXF 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 VXF?
Over the past year VO returned +18.52% vs +24.38% for VXF, so VXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (23 years), VO annualized +9.30% vs +9.13% for VXF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VO or VXF?
VXF has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 16.9% for VO. Worst drawdown: VO -60.3% vs VXF -59.4%.
Should I hold both VO and VXF?
VO and VXF 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 VXF?
VO and VXF share 31 common holdings with a 8.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2710 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VO or VXF?
VO yields 1.53% while VXF yields 1.21%, 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.