VOO vs VRP
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VRP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $3.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 6.23% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 343 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | +2.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +4.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.78% | +8.62% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +4.15% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 7.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -46.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | May 1, 2014 |
VOO vs VRP Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco Variable Rate Preferred ETF (VRP) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VOO returned +23.01% while VRP returned +4.92%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.79% versus a gain of 2.15% for VRP.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.78% per year against +8.62% for VRP; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +4.15% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +2.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 7.4% for VRP. 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 -46.2% for VRP. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VRP charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 6.23% for VRP.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VRP share 25 holdings out of 758 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or VRP?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VRP charges 0.50%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VRP?
Over the past year VOO returned +23.01% vs +4.92% for VRP, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), VOO annualized +13.57% vs +2.31% for VRP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VRP?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.4% for VRP. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VRP -46.2%.
Should I hold both VOO and VRP?
VOO and VRP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VRP?
VOO and VRP share 25 common holdings with a 4.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 758 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VRP?
VOO yields 1.09% while VRP yields 6.23%, so VRP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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