VOO vs XMLV
VOO vs XMLV
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF
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 | XMLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $757M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.93% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 83 | |
| YTD Return | +13.80% | +11.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.71% | +13.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.50% | +11.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.44% | +7.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 13.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -40.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Feb 12, 2013 |
VOO vs XMLV Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF (XMLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VOO returned +23.71% while XMLV returned +13.95%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.80% versus a gain of 11.73% for XMLV.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.50% per year against +11.74% for XMLV; over five years the annualized figures are +13.44% and +7.12% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +8.68%. 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 13.4% for XMLV. 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 -40.5% for XMLV. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XMLV charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $25 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 2.93% for XMLV.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XMLV share 0 holdings out of 585 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 XMLV?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XMLV charges 0.25%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or XMLV?
Over the past year VOO returned +23.71% vs +13.95% for XMLV, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VOO annualized +13.58% vs +8.68% for XMLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XMLV?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.4% for XMLV. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XMLV -40.5%.
Should I hold both VOO and XMLV?
VOO and XMLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XMLV?
VOO and XMLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 585 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XMLV?
VOO yields 1.09% while XMLV yields 2.93%, so XMLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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