VOO vs WUGI
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs AXS Esoterica NextG Economy 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 | WUGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 0.25% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +13.20% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.62% | +0.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.16% | +23.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.42% | +9.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 28.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -56.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | AXS Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Mar 31, 2020 |
VOO vs WUGI Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and AXS Esoterica NextG Economy ETF (WUGI) is a ETF from AXS Investments. Over the past year VOO returned +21.62% while WUGI returned +0.46%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.20% versus a gain of 15.44% for WUGI.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +22.16% per year against +23.85% for WUGI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.42% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, WUGI has the edge at +21.10% annualized vs +13.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WUGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.9% 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 -56.4% for WUGI. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while WUGI charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $79 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 0.25% for WUGI.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and WUGI share 19 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or WUGI?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WUGI charges 0.79%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or WUGI?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.62% vs +0.46% for WUGI, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VOO annualized +13.51% vs +21.10% for WUGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or WUGI?
WUGI has been the more volatile fund at 28.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs WUGI -56.4%.
Should I hold both VOO and WUGI?
VOO and WUGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and WUGI?
VOO and WUGI share 19 common holdings with a 23.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or WUGI?
VOO yields 1.08% while WUGI yields 0.25%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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