VOO vs VTSAX
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Class
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTSAX offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | VTSAX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $480.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 1.05% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +12.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.87% | +20.93% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.06% | +20.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | +10.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 16.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -26.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Nov 13, 2000 |
VOO vs VTSAX Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Class (VTSAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOO returned +21.87% while VTSAX returned +20.93%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.68% versus a gain of 12.46% for VTSAX.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +22.06% per year against +20.25% for VTSAX; over five years the annualized figures are +12.95% and +10.45% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +10.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -26.3% for VTSAX. 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while VTSAX charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 1.05% for VTSAX.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VTSAX share 466 holdings out of 2765 unique holdings combined, representing a 86.7% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or VTSAX?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VTSAX charges 0.04%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VTSAX?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.87% vs +20.93% for VTSAX, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VOO annualized +13.47% vs +10.45% for VTSAX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VTSAX?
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VTSAX -26.3%.
Should I hold both VOO and VTSAX?
VOO and VTSAX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and VTSAX?
VOO and VTSAX share 466 common holdings with a 86.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2765 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VTSAX?
VOO yields 1.08% while VTSAX yields 1.05%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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