VOO vs ZTR
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Virtus Total Return Fund Inc
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. ZTR offers more diversification with 770 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | ZTR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 2.53% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $375M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 8.06% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 770 | |
| YTD Return | +14.27% | +13.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +18.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.19% | +16.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.28% | +3.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -87.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Feb 24, 2005 |
VOO vs ZTR Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc (ZTR) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year VOO returned +21.79% while ZTR returned +18.10%. Year to date, VOO is up 14.27% versus a gain of 13.39% for ZTR.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +22.19% per year against +16.55% for ZTR; over five years the annualized figures are +13.28% and +3.95% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs -3.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% compared with 14.2% 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 -87.0% for ZTR. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while ZTR charges 2.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $253 annually, a gap of $250 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 8.06% for ZTR.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and ZTR share 24 holdings out of 1012 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or ZTR?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZTR charges 2.53%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $250 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or ZTR?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.79% vs +18.10% for ZTR, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.59% vs -3.20% for ZTR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or ZTR?
ZTR has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs ZTR -87.0%.
Should I hold both VOO and ZTR?
VOO and ZTR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and ZTR?
VOO and ZTR share 24 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1012 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or ZTR?
VOO yields 1.08% while ZTR yields 8.06%, so ZTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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