VOO vs XHS
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. XHS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XHS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $207M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.20% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 59 | |
| YTD Return | +13.44% | +24.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.62% | +46.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | +13.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +4.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 19.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -39.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 28, 2011 |
VOO vs XHS Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF (XHS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VOO returned +22.62% while XHS returned +46.89%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.44% versus a gain of 24.52% for XHS.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.47% per year against +13.50% for XHS; over five years the annualized figures are +13.27% and +4.63% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +12.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XHS 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 -39.4% for XHS. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XHS 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 0.20% for XHS.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XHS share 15 holdings out of 551 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or XHS?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XHS 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 XHS?
Over the past year VOO returned +22.62% vs +46.89% for XHS, so XHS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), VOO annualized +13.55% vs +12.10% for XHS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XHS?
XHS has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XHS -39.4%.
Should I hold both VOO and XHS?
VOO and XHS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XHS?
VOO and XHS share 15 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 551 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XHS?
VOO yields 1.09% while XHS yields 0.20%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.