VOT vs VWO
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF
Which is better, VOT or VWO?
Mid Cap Growth against Large Cap Blend.
VOT has a lower expense ratio. VOT led over the full window, VWO over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOT | VWO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05%Best | 0.06% |
| AUM | $19.1B | $122.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 2.29% |
| Holdings | 129 | 6,334 |
| YTD Return | +4.42% | +9.25%Best |
| 1Y Return | +1.45% | +16.23%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.64% | +17.32%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.17% | +5.92%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5%Best | 20.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3%Best | -68.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,266 | $13,332Best |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Mid Cap Growth | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | Mar 4, 2005 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 24, 2006 to Sep 10, 2026 (20 years).
VOT vs VWO growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 20 years both funds cover.
VOT vs VWO Performance
Vanguard Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets ETF (VWO) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOT returned +1.45% while VWO returned +16.23%. Year to date, VOT is up 4.42% versus a gain of 9.25% for VWO.
Over three years, VOT compounded at +13.64% per year against +17.32% for VWO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.17% and +5.92% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.33% annualized vs +3.89%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% compared with 18.5% for VOT. 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 -60.3% for VOT and -68.3% for VWO. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
VOT charges 0.05% per year while VWO charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $6 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOT currently yields 0.60% against 2.29% for VWO.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 121 holdings in VOT and 4,694 in VWO, totalling 99.2% and 88.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 121 positions we hold weights for in VOT and 4,694 in VWO, against full books of 129 and 6,334.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VOT and VWO you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOT or VWO?
VOT has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VWO charges 0.06%. VOT is the cheaper option, by $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VOT or VWO?
Over the past year VOT returned +1.45% vs +16.23% for VWO, so VWO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VOT annualized +9.33% vs +3.89% for VWO. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VOT or VWO?
VWO has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 18.5% for VOT. Worst drawdown: VOT -60.3% vs VWO -68.3%.
Should I hold both VOT and VWO?
VOT and VWO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOT or VWO?
VOT yields 0.60% while VWO yields 2.29%, so VWO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VWO better than VOT?
VOT has a lower expense ratio. VOT led over the full window, VWO over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.