VOO vs WAR
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs US Global Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. WAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | WAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $40M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 10.22% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 30 | |
| YTD Return | +14.27% | +44.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +63.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 33.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -25.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Dec 30, 2024 |
VOO vs WAR Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and US Global Technology And Aerospace & Defense ETF (WAR) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc.. Over the past year VOO returned +21.79% while WAR returned +63.92%. Year to date, VOO is up 14.27% versus a gain of 44.84% for WAR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.3% 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 -25.0% for WAR. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while WAR charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $60 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 10.22% for WAR.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and WAR share 10 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or WAR?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WAR charges 0.60%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or WAR?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.79% vs +63.92% for WAR, so WAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VOO annualized +13.59% vs +49.93% for WAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or WAR?
WAR has been the more volatile fund at 33.3% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs WAR -25.0%.
Should I hold both VOO and WAR?
VOO and WAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and WAR?
VOO and WAR share 10 common holdings with a 8.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or WAR?
VOO yields 1.08% while WAR yields 10.22%, so WAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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