VOO vs WCMI
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs First Trust WCM International Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. WCMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | WCMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $1.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 0.55% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | +13.61% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +26.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -12.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Mar 31, 2020 |
VOO vs WCMI Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and First Trust WCM International Equity ETF (WCMI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% while WCMI returned +26.43%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.25% versus a gain of 13.61% for WCMI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.6% for WCMI. 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 -12.8% for WCMI. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while WCMI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 0.55% for WCMI.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and WCMI share 3 holdings out of 546 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or WCMI?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WCMI charges 0.85%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or WCMI?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% vs +26.43% for WCMI, so WCMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VOO annualized +13.45% vs +21.16% for WCMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or WCMI?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.6% for WCMI. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs WCMI -12.8%.
Should I hold both VOO and WCMI?
VOO and WCMI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and WCMI?
VOO and WCMI share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 546 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or WCMI?
VOO yields 1.08% while WCMI yields 0.55%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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