VOO vs VPL

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VPL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VPL offers more diversification with 2292 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VPLMore Diversified: VPL

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVOOVPLWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.07%
AUM$979.0B$8.6B
Dividend Yield1.09%2.64%
Holdings5092,361
YTD Return+13.80%+23.91%
1Y Return+23.71%+38.92%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.50%+21.49%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.44%+10.04%
Volatility (annualized)14.1%16.4%
Max Drawdown-34.3%-55.5%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 7, 2010Mar 4, 2005

VOO vs VPL Performance

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Pacific ETF (VPL) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +23.71% while VPL returned +38.92%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.80% versus a gain of 23.91% for VPL.

Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.50% per year against +21.49% for VPL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.44% and +10.04% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +6.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VPL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO and -55.5% for VPL. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VOO charges 0.03% per year while VPL charges 0.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $7 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 2.64% for VPL.

Holdings Overlap

0.1%overlap

VOO and VPL share 2 holdings out of 2795 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VOOWeight in VPLDifference
SLB:CW0.11%1.56%1.45%
ORCL0.39%0.02%0.37%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VOO or VPL?

VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VPL charges 0.07%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VOO or VPL?

Over the past year VOO returned +23.71% vs +38.92% for VPL, so VPL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.58% vs +6.78% for VPL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VOO or VPL?

VPL has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VPL -55.5%.

Should I hold both VOO and VPL?

VOO and VPL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VPL?

VOO and VPL share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2795 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VPL?

VOO yields 1.09% while VPL yields 2.64%, so VPL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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