VOO vs VSDM
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond 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 | VSDM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $763M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.10% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 3,774 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | -0.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.71% | +1.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.50% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.44% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 2.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -2.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Nov 19, 2024 |
VOO vs VSDM Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Short Duration Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VSDM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +23.71% while VSDM returned +1.51%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.80% versus a loss of 0.38% for VSDM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 2.1% for VSDM. 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 -2.0% for VSDM. 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VSDM charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $12 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 3.10% for VSDM.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VSDM share 0 holdings out of 929 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or VSDM?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VSDM charges 0.12%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VSDM?
Over the past year VOO returned +23.71% vs +1.51% for VSDM, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VOO annualized +13.58% vs +3.40% for VSDM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VSDM?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 2.1% for VSDM. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VSDM -2.0%.
Should I hold both VOO and VSDM?
VOO and VSDM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VSDM?
VOO and VSDM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 929 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VSDM?
VOO yields 1.09% while VSDM yields 3.10%, so VSDM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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