VOO vs WDGF
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs WisdomTree Global Defense Fund 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 | WDGF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 0.05% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 129 | |
| YTD Return | +13.81% | +0.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.53% | +2.40% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.46% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.87% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 21.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -18.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 12, 2025 |
VOO vs WDGF Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF (WDGF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VOO returned +21.53% while WDGF returned +2.40%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.81% versus a gain of 0.19% for WDGF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WDGF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -18.0% for WDGF. 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while WDGF charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $45 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 0.05% for WDGF.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and WDGF share 9 holdings out of 610 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or WDGF?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WDGF charges 0.45%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or WDGF?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.53% vs +2.40% for WDGF, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or WDGF?
WDGF has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs WDGF -18.0%.
Should I hold both VOO and WDGF?
VOO and WDGF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and WDGF?
VOO and WDGF share 9 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 610 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or WDGF?
VOO yields 1.08% while WDGF yields 0.05%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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