VOO vs VUSE
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vident US Equity Strategy 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 | VUSE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $667M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.45% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 128 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +11.64% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.71% | +16.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.50% | +15.92% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.44% | +12.15% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 17.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -45.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vident Financial | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jan 22, 2014 |
VOO vs VUSE Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vident US Equity Strategy ETF (VUSE) is a ETF from Vident Financial. Over the past year VOO returned +23.71% while VUSE returned +16.73%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.80% versus a gain of 11.64% for VUSE.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.50% per year against +15.92% for VUSE; over five years the annualized figures are +13.44% and +12.15% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +9.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VUSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -45.5% for VUSE. 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 0.91. 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 VUSE charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 0.45% for VUSE.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and VUSE share 71 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or VUSE?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VUSE charges 0.50%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or VUSE?
Over the past year VOO returned +23.71% vs +16.73% for VUSE, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), VOO annualized +13.58% vs +9.43% for VUSE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or VUSE?
VUSE has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs VUSE -45.5%.
Should I hold both VOO and VUSE?
VOO and VUSE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VUSE?
VOO and VUSE share 71 common holdings with a 36.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or VUSE?
VOO yields 1.09% while VUSE yields 0.45%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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