VOO vs WISE
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence 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 | WISE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $30M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 4.68% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 48 | |
| YTD Return | +13.25% | -8.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.96% | -5.38% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.27% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.81% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 31.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -39.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Themes ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Dec 8, 2023 |
VOO vs WISE Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) is a ETF from Themes ETFs. Over the past year VOO returned +19.96% while WISE returned -5.38%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.25% versus a loss of 8.95% for WISE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WISE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.2% 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 -39.1% for WISE. 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 WISE charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $35 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 4.68% for WISE.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and WISE share 8 holdings out of 538 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or WISE?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WISE charges 0.35%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or WISE?
Over the past year VOO returned +19.96% vs -5.38% for WISE, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VOO annualized +13.49% vs +15.83% for WISE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or WISE?
WISE has been the more volatile fund at 31.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs WISE -39.1%.
Should I hold both VOO and WISE?
VOO and WISE 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 WISE?
VOO and WISE share 8 common holdings with a 17.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or WISE?
VOO yields 1.08% while WISE yields 4.68%, so WISE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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