VOO vs XYLD
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Global X S&P 500 Covered Call 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 | XYLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $3.3B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 10.53% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 507 | |
| YTD Return | +13.49% | +8.76% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.64% | +17.84% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.93% | +12.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | +7.41% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 11.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -34.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jun 21, 2013 |
VOO vs XYLD Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year VOO returned +20.64% while XYLD returned +17.84%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.49% versus a gain of 8.76% for XYLD.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.93% per year against +12.36% for XYLD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.95% and +7.41% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +4.93%. 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 11.2% for XYLD. 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 -34.7% for XYLD. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XYLD charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $60 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 10.53% for XYLD.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XYLD share 484 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 95.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or XYLD?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XYLD charges 0.60%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or XYLD?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.64% vs +17.84% for XYLD, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), VOO annualized +13.51% vs +4.93% for XYLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XYLD?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 11.2% for XYLD. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XYLD -34.7%.
Should I hold both VOO and XYLD?
VOO and XYLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XYLD?
VOO and XYLD share 484 common holdings with a 95.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XYLD?
VOO yields 1.08% while XYLD yields 10.53%, so XYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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