VOO vs. VO

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) and VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while VO is a Mid Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Mid Cap Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOO returned 15.55%/yr vs 11.58%/yr for VO. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VOO vs. VO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with VOO having a 11.34% return and VO slightly lower at 10.92%. Over the past 10 years, VOO has outperformed VO with an annualized return of 15.55%, while VO has yielded a comparatively lower 11.58% annualized return.

VOO

• 1D: 0.39%
• 1M: 4.62%
• YTD: 11.34%
• 6M: 11.27%
• 1Y: 28.62%
• 3Y*: 22.68%
• 5Y*: 13.98%
• 10Y*: 15.55%

VO

• 1D: 0.79%
• 1M: 3.19%
• YTD: 10.92%
• 6M: 10.35%
• 1Y: 19.49%
• 3Y*: 17.10%
• 5Y*: 8.04%
• 10Y*: 11.58%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

VOO vs. VO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	11.34%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	10.92%	11.62%	15.31%	16.03%	-18.73%	24.70%	18.10%	30.98%	-9.24%	19.28%

Correlation

The correlation between VOO and VO is 0.77, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.89
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2010	0.92

The correlation between VOO and VO shifts across timeframes, from 0.77 (1 year) to 0.92 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VOO vs. VO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOO	VO
Technology	35.7%	18.6%
Financial Services	11.6%	12.8%
Communication Services	11.3%	3.1%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	8.6%
Healthcare	8.5%	7.6%
Industrials	8.3%	17.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.8%
Energy	3.5%	8.5%
Utilities	2.4%	8.3%
Real Estate	1.9%	5.4%
Basic Materials	1.8%	4.2%

Return for Risk

VOO vs. VO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 74
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 75
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 75
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 78

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 48
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 45
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 54

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

VOO vs. VO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	VOO	VO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.44	1.59	+0.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.31	2.28	+1.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.44	1.28	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	2.40	+0.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.03	9.13	+5.90
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VOO vs. VO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOO Sharpe Ratio is 2.44, which is higher than the VO Sharpe Ratio of 1.59. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOO and VO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VOO	VO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.44	1.59	+0.85
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.84	0.46	+0.38
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.87	0.61	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.89	0.50	+0.38

Drawdowns

VOO vs. VO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOO drawdown since its inception was -33.99%, smaller than the maximum VO drawdown of -58.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOO and VO.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOO	VO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.99%	-58.87%	+24.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-8.17%	-0.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.69%	-19.02%	+0.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.52%	-27.57%	+3.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.99%	-39.37%	+5.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.32%	0.00%	-0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.69%	-7.86%	+4.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.91%	2.14%	-0.23%

Volatility

VOO vs. VO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is 2.78%, while Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) has a volatility of 2.99%. This indicates that VOO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOO	VO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.78%	2.99%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.90%	9.24%	-0.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.80%	12.33%	-0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.81%	17.60%	-0.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.00%	18.94%	-0.94%

VOO vs. VO - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VOO and VO have an expense ratio of 0.03%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VOO vs. VO - Dividend Comparison

VOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than VO's 1.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.35%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.02%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOO and VO in my portfolio?

VOO and VO have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOO or VO?

VO has higher volatility (2.99%) compared to VOO (2.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOO dropped -33.99% vs VO's -58.87%.

Which ETF is better, VOO or VO?

On 10-year performance, VOO leads with 15.55% vs 11.58% for VO. Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. On volatility, VOO has been the lower-risk option at 2.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOO or VO?

Over the 10-year period, VOO has performed better with a 15.55% return vs 11.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOO or VO?

VOO and VO have the same expense ratio: 0.03% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VOO or VO?

VO has the higher dividend yield at 1.35%, compared with 1.02% for VOO.

What is the main difference between VOO and VO?

VOO is categorized as S&P 500, while VO is Mid Cap Blend Equities. VOO tracks S&P 500 Index, while VO tracks CRSP US Mid Cap Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 1.59), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.