VOO vs. VTI

Last updated Jul 28, 2026

VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) and VTI (Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while VTI is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Total Market Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOO returned 14.93%/yr vs 14.44%/yr for VTI. Their 0.99 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. Both charge a 0.03% expense ratio.

Performance

VOO vs. VTI - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOO achieves a 8.98% return, which is significantly lower than VTI's 9.58% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VOO having a 14.93% annualized return and VTI not far behind at 14.44%.

VOO

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: 1.35%
• 6M: 7.28%
• YTD: 8.98%
• 1Y: 17.38%
• 3Y*: 18.94%
• 5Y*: 12.57%
• 10Y*: 14.93%
• ALL TIME*: 14.72%

VTI

• 1D: 0.10%
• 1M: 0.82%
• 6M: 7.41%
• YTD: 9.58%
• 1Y: 17.77%
• 3Y*: 18.61%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: 14.44%
• ALL TIME*: 9.55%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	$3.33B	$3.89B	$5.42B
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	$1.06B	$1.18B	$1.23B

VOO vs. VTI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	8.98%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	9.58%	17.10%	23.81%	26.05%	-19.52%	25.68%	21.08%	30.67%	-5.23%	21.21%

Correlation

The correlation between VOO and VTI is 0.99 - they have historically moved very closely together. At this level, their price movements offset little of one another.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.99
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.99
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.99

The correlation between VOO and VTI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOO vs. VTI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOO	VTI
Technology	38.6%	36.1%
Financial Services	11.4%	11.8%
Communication Services	9.9%	9.1%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	9.4%
Healthcare	8.9%	9.7%
Industrials	8.5%	10.2%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	4.3%
Energy	3.0%	3.2%
Utilities	2.2%	2.2%
Real Estate	1.8%	2.3%
Basic Materials	1.7%	1.9%

Return for Risk

VOO vs. VTI — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 59
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 57
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 69

VTI

VTI Risk / Return Rank: 60
VTI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VTI Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Omega Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VTI Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. VTI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	VOO	VTI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	1.38	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.94	1.95	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.25	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.96	2.00	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.43	8.67	-0.23

VOO vs. VTI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOO Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is comparable to the VTI Sharpe Ratio of 1.38. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOO and VTI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VOO vs. VTI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOO drawdown since its inception was -33.99%, smaller than the maximum VTI drawdown of -55.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOO and VTI.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOO	VTI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.99%	-55.45%	+21.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-8.92%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.69%	-19.30%	+0.61%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.52%	-25.36%	+0.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.99%	-35.00%	+1.01%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.43%	-2.17%	-0.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.67%	-7.99%	+4.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.07%	2.06%	+0.01%

Volatility

VOO vs. VTI - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) has a higher volatility of 3.22% compared to Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) at 3.01%. This indicates that VOO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VTI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOO	VTI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.22%	3.01%	+0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.84%	10.00%	-0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.64%	12.93%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.91%	17.49%	-0.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.01%	18.30%	-0.29%

VOO vs. VTI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VOO and VTI 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. VTI - Dividend Comparison

VOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.08%, which matches VTI's 1.07% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.08%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
VTI Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF	1.07%	1.12%	1.27%	1.44%	1.66%	1.21%	1.42%	1.78%	2.04%	1.71%	1.92%	1.98%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOO and VTI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, VOO and VTI move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, VOO or VTI?

VOO has higher volatility (3.22%) compared to VTI (3.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOO dropped -33.99% vs VTI's -55.45%.

Which ETF is better, VOO or VTI?

On 10-year performance, VOO leads with 14.93% vs 14.44% for VTI. Both ETFs have the same 0.03% expense ratio. On volatility, VTI has been the lower-risk option at 3.01%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOO or VTI?

Over the 10-year period, VOO has performed better with a 14.93% return vs 14.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOO or VTI?

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

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

VOO has the higher dividend yield at 1.08%, compared with 1.07% for VTI.

What is the main difference between VOO and VTI?

VOO is categorized as S&P 500, while VTI is Large Cap Blend Equities. VOO tracks S&P 500 Index, while VTI tracks CRSP US Total Market Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 vs 1.38), 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.