VOO vs XSD
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. XSD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XSD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $2.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 0.16% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 49 | |
| YTD Return | +12.95% | +54.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.69% | +82.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.09% | +36.57% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.40% | +22.80% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 29.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -64.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jan 31, 2006 |
VOO vs XSD Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Semiconductor ETF (XSD) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VOO returned +20.69% while XSD returned +82.90%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.95% versus a gain of 54.53% for XSD.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +22.09% per year against +36.57% for XSD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.40% and +22.80% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XSD has the edge at +15.62% annualized vs +13.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XSD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.8% 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 -64.9% for XSD. 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XSD 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 1.08% against 0.16% for XSD.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XSD share 15 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or XSD?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XSD 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 XSD?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.69% vs +82.90% for XSD, so XSD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.50% vs +15.62% for XSD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XSD?
XSD has been the more volatile fund at 29.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XSD -64.9%.
Should I hold both VOO and XSD?
VOO and XSD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XSD?
VOO and XSD share 15 common holdings with a 11.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XSD?
VOO yields 1.08% while XSD yields 0.16%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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