VOO vs XCEM
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. XCEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XCEM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.16% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.40% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 338 | |
| YTD Return | +13.44% | +25.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.62% | +47.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +23.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +10.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 19.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -41.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 1, 2015 |
VOO vs XCEM Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Columbia EM Core ex-China ETF (XCEM) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments. Over the past year VOO returned +22.62% while XCEM returned +47.70%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.44% versus a gain of 25.94% for XCEM.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.47% per year against +23.51% for XCEM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +10.84% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +11.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XCEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -41.2% for XCEM. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XCEM charges 0.16%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $16 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 2.40% for XCEM.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XCEM share 0 holdings out of 947 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 XCEM?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XCEM charges 0.16%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or XCEM?
Over the past year VOO returned +22.62% vs +47.70% for XCEM, so XCEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VOO annualized +13.55% vs +11.68% for XCEM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XCEM?
XCEM has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XCEM -41.2%.
Should I hold both VOO and XCEM?
VOO and XCEM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XCEM?
VOO and XCEM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 947 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XCEM?
VOO yields 1.09% while XCEM yields 2.40%, so XCEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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