VOO vs XSLV
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | XSLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $250M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 2.06% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 119 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | +15.37% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +16.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | +11.33% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +4.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 16.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -45.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Feb 12, 2013 |
VOO vs XSLV Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P SmallCap Low Volatility ETF (XSLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% while XSLV returned +16.90%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.25% versus a gain of 15.37% for XSLV.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.79% per year against +11.33% for XSLV; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +4.20% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +6.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XSLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -45.3% for XSLV. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XSLV 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 1.08% against 2.06% for XSLV.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XSLV share 0 holdings out of 620 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 XSLV?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XSLV 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 XSLV?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% vs +16.90% for XSLV, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VOO annualized +13.45% vs +6.51% for XSLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XSLV?
XSLV has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XSLV -45.3%.
Should I hold both VOO and XSLV?
VOO and XSLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XSLV?
VOO and XSLV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 620 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XSLV?
VOO yields 1.08% while XSLV yields 2.06%, so XSLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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