VOO vs VRAI
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Virtus Real Asset Income ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VRAI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VRAI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.55% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $19M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 2.82% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 91 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | +25.30% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +29.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | +13.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +7.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 19.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -48.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Feb 7, 2019 |
VOO vs VRAI Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% while VRAI returned +29.10%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.25% versus a gain of 25.30% for VRAI.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.79% per year against +13.96% for VRAI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +7.27% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +5.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VRAI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -48.9% for VRAI. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VRAI charges 0.55%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $55 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 2.82% for VRAI.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VRAI share 26 holdings out of 569 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or VRAI?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VRAI charges 0.55%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VRAI?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% vs +29.10% for VRAI, so VRAI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), VOO annualized +13.45% vs +5.70% for VRAI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VRAI?
VRAI has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VRAI -48.9%.
Should I hold both VOO and VRAI?
VOO and VRAI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VRAI?
VOO and VRAI share 26 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 569 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VRAI?
VOO yields 1.08% while VRAI yields 2.82%, so VRAI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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