VOO vs XPH
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. XPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XPH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $479M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.51% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 67 | |
| YTD Return | +13.79% | +27.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.01% | +61.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.78% | +18.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.39% | +8.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -52.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jun 19, 2006 |
VOO vs XPH Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VOO returned +23.01% while XPH returned +61.71%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.79% versus a gain of 27.26% for XPH.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.78% per year against +18.38% for XPH; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +8.32% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +8.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XPH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -52.7% for XPH. 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XPH 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 0.51% for XPH.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XPH share 7 holdings out of 558 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or XPH?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XPH 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 XPH?
Over the past year VOO returned +23.01% vs +61.71% for XPH, so XPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.57% vs +8.08% for XPH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XPH?
XPH has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XPH -52.7%.
Should I hold both VOO and XPH?
VOO and XPH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XPH?
VOO and XPH share 7 common holdings with a 3.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 558 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XPH?
VOO yields 1.09% while XPH yields 0.51%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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