VOO vs VSS
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VSS offers more diversification with 4,828 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VSS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.06% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $11.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 3.31% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 4,828 | |
| YTD Return | +12.95% | +9.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.69% | +17.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.09% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +6.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 17.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -46.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Apr 2, 2009 |
VOO vs VSS Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US Small-Cap ETF (VSS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +20.69% while VSS returned +17.32%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.95% versus a gain of 9.40% for VSS.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +22.09% per year against +16.97% for VSS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.40% and +6.19% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +7.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -46.8% for VSS. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VSS charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $6 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 3.31% for VSS.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VSS share 1 holdings out of 5157 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VOO | Weight in VSS | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| VEA | 0.01% | 5.52% | 5.51% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or VSS?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VSS charges 0.06%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VSS?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.69% vs +17.32% for VSS, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.50% vs +7.48% for VSS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VSS?
VSS has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VSS -46.8%.
Should I hold both VOO and VSS?
VOO and VSS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VSS?
VOO and VSS share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 5157 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VSS?
VOO yields 1.08% while VSS yields 3.31%, so VSS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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