VOO vs XJR
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs iShares ESG Select Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. XJR delivered stronger 1-year returns. XJR offers more diversification with 602 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XJR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $191M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 0.94% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 602 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +21.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.87% | +27.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.06% | +16.00% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | +7.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 20.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -27.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 22, 2020 |
VOO vs XJR Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares ESG Select Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VOO returned +21.87% while XJR returned +27.05%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.68% versus a gain of 21.01% for XJR.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +22.06% per year against +16.00% for XJR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.95% and +7.21% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, XJR has the edge at +14.90% annualized vs +13.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XJR 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 -27.1% for XJR. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XJR charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $12 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 0.94% for XJR.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XJR share 0 holdings out of 536 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 XJR?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XJR charges 0.12%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or XJR?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.87% vs +27.05% for XJR, so XJR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VOO annualized +13.47% vs +14.90% for XJR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XJR?
XJR has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XJR -27.1%.
Should I hold both VOO and XJR?
VOO and XJR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XJR?
VOO and XJR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XJR?
VOO yields 1.08% while XJR yields 0.94%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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