VOO vs VSGX
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VSGX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VSGX offers more diversification with 6125 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VSGX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.10% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $6.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.92% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 6,636 | |
| YTD Return | +14.48% | +15.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +24.19% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +19.24% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.36% | +8.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -33.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 18, 2018 |
VOO vs VSGX Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard ESG International Stock ETF (VSGX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +22.02% while VSGX returned +24.19%. Year to date, VOO is up 14.48% versus a gain of 15.07% for VSGX.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.80% per year against +19.24% for VSGX; over five years the annualized figures are +13.36% and +8.00% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +8.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSGX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% compared with 14.2% 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 -33.1% for VSGX. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VSGX charges 0.10%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $10 annually, a gap of $7 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 2.92% for VSGX.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VSGX share 4 holdings out of 6626 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or VSGX?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VSGX charges 0.10%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $7 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VSGX?
Over the past year VOO returned +22.02% vs +24.19% for VSGX, so VSGX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), VOO annualized +13.61% vs +8.82% for VSGX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VSGX?
VSGX has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VSGX -33.1%.
Should I hold both VOO and VSGX?
VOO and VSGX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VSGX?
VOO and VSGX share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 6626 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VSGX?
VOO yields 1.09% while VSGX yields 2.92%, so VSGX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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