VOO vs XAUG
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - August
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XAUG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $24M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.44% | +5.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.62% | +9.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +9.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 4.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -8.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Aug 18, 2023 |
VOO vs XAUG Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - August (XAUG) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VOO returned +22.62% while XAUG returned +9.27%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.44% versus a gain of 5.34% for XAUG.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.47% per year against +9.86% for XAUG. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +9.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 4.4% for XAUG. 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 -8.7% for XAUG. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XAUG charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for XAUG.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XAUG share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or XAUG?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XAUG charges 0.85%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or XAUG?
Over the past year VOO returned +22.62% vs +9.27% for XAUG, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VOO annualized +13.55% vs +9.86% for XAUG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XAUG?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 4.4% for XAUG. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XAUG -8.7%.
Should I hold both VOO and XAUG?
VOO and XAUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XAUG?
VOO and XAUG share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XAUG?
VOO yields 1.09% while XAUG yields 0.00%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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