VOO vs XSW
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Software & Services 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 | XSW | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $516M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 134 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | +8.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +9.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | +15.88% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +3.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 20.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -45.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 28, 2011 |
VOO vs XSW Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Software & Services ETF (XSW) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% while XSW returned +9.63%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.25% versus a gain of 8.65% for XSW.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.79% per year against +15.88% for XSW; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +3.40% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, XSW has the edge at +15.77% annualized vs +13.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XSW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -45.4% for XSW. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XSW 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 0.00% for XSW.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XSW share 26 holdings out of 611 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or XSW?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XSW 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 XSW?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% vs +9.63% for XSW, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), VOO annualized +13.45% vs +15.77% for XSW. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XSW?
XSW has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XSW -45.4%.
Should I hold both VOO and XSW?
VOO and XSW have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XSW?
VOO and XSW share 26 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XSW?
VOO yields 1.08% while XSW yields 0.00%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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