VOO vs YLD
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Principal Active High Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | YLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.39% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $580M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 7.26% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 148 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +3.32% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.63% | +5.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +8.21% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.26% | +4.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 8.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -30.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Principal Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Jul 8, 2015 |
VOO vs YLD Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Principal Active High Yield ETF (YLD) is a ETF from Principal Funds. Over the past year VOO returned +21.63% while YLD returned +5.15%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.72% versus a gain of 3.32% for YLD.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.55% per year against +8.21% for YLD; over five years the annualized figures are +13.26% and +4.53% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +2.59%. 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 8.7% for YLD. 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 -30.3% for YLD. 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while YLD charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $39 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 7.26% for YLD.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and YLD share 0 holdings out of 614 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 YLD?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YLD charges 0.39%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or YLD?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.63% vs +5.15% for YLD, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VOO annualized +13.56% vs +2.59% for YLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or YLD?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 8.7% for YLD. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs YLD -30.3%.
Should I hold both VOO and YLD?
VOO and YLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and YLD?
VOO and YLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 614 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or YLD?
VOO yields 1.09% while YLD yields 7.26%, so YLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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