VOO vs WLDR
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. WLDR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | WLDR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.67% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $96M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 1.30% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 116 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | +31.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +49.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | +32.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +18.91% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -47.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jan 16, 2018 |
VOO vs WLDR Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF (WLDR) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% while WLDR returned +49.00%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.25% versus a gain of 31.25% for WLDR.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.79% per year against +32.26% for WLDR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +18.91% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +11.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WLDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -47.1% for WLDR. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while WLDR charges 0.67%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $67 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 1.30% for WLDR.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and WLDR share 50 holdings out of 567 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or WLDR?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WLDR charges 0.67%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or WLDR?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% vs +49.00% for WLDR, so WLDR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VOO annualized +13.45% vs +11.54% for WLDR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or WLDR?
WLDR has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs WLDR -47.1%.
Should I hold both VOO and WLDR?
VOO and WLDR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and WLDR?
VOO and WLDR share 50 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 567 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or WLDR?
VOO yields 1.08% while WLDR yields 1.30%, so WLDR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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