VOO vs XAR
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. XAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $6.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.28% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 49 | |
| YTD Return | +13.44% | +16.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.62% | +36.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +34.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +18.85% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 20.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -46.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 28, 2011 |
VOO vs XAR Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VOO returned +22.62% while XAR returned +36.48%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.44% versus a gain of 16.82% for XAR.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.47% per year against +34.49% for XAR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +18.85% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, XAR has the edge at +18.16% annualized vs +13.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -46.7% for XAR. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XAR 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 1.09% against 0.28% for XAR.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XAR share 12 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or XAR?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XAR 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 XAR?
Over the past year VOO returned +22.62% vs +36.48% for XAR, so XAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), VOO annualized +13.55% vs +18.16% for XAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XAR?
XAR has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XAR -46.7%.
Should I hold both VOO and XAR?
VOO and XAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XAR?
VOO and XAR share 12 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XAR?
VOO yields 1.09% while XAR yields 0.28%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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