VOO vs WCME
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | WCME | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $36M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 0.35% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 43 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | +8.28% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +19.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 17.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -15.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Oct 7, 2024 |
VOO vs WCME Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and First Trust WCM Developing World Equity ETF (WCME) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% while WCME returned +19.64%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.25% versus a gain of 8.28% for WCME.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WCME has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -15.6% for WCME. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while WCME charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $95 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 0.35% for WCME.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and WCME share 0 holdings out of 541 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 WCME?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WCME charges 0.95%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or WCME?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% vs +19.64% for WCME, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VOO annualized +13.45% vs +16.77% for WCME. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or WCME?
WCME has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs WCME -15.6%.
Should I hold both VOO and WCME?
VOO and WCME have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and WCME?
VOO and WCME share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or WCME?
VOO yields 1.08% while WCME yields 0.35%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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