VOO vs VTG
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Total Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VTG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $147M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 3.18% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 285 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | -0.70% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.63% | +1.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 3.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -2.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jul 7, 2025 |
VOO vs VTG Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Total Treasury ETF (VTG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +21.63% while VTG returned +1.35%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.72% versus a loss of 0.70% for VTG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 3.2% for VTG. 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 -2.9% for VTG. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VTG charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $3 annually. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 3.18% for VTG.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VTG share 0 holdings out of 749 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 VTG?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTG charges 0.03%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VTG?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.63% vs +1.35% for VTG, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VOO annualized +13.56% vs +1.91% for VTG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VTG?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 3.2% for VTG. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VTG -2.9%.
Should I hold both VOO and VTG?
VOO and VTG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VTG?
VOO and VTG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 749 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VTG?
VOO yields 1.09% while VTG yields 3.18%, so VTG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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