VOO vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index, while XAR is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOO returned 15.50%/yr vs 18.45%/yr for XAR. A 0.67 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VOO charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAR.

Performance

VOO vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOO achieves a 9.08% return, which is significantly lower than XAR's 16.10% return. Over the past 10 years, VOO has underperformed XAR with an annualized return of 15.50%, while XAR has yielded a comparatively higher 18.45% annualized return.

VOO

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 9.08%
• 6M: 9.44%
• 1Y: 25.76%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 13.43%
• 10Y*: 15.50%

XAR

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 3.18%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 18.39%
• 1Y: 42.07%
• 3Y*: 33.32%
• 5Y*: 16.58%
• 10Y*: 18.45%

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

VOO vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	9.08%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	16.10%	46.15%	23.32%	23.79%	-5.02%	2.31%	6.18%	39.33%	-4.58%	33.00%

Correlation

The correlation between VOO and XAR is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2011	0.67

The correlation between VOO and XAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.68 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOO vs. XAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOO	XAR
Technology	35.6%	0.8%
Financial Services	11.6%	-
Communication Services	11.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Healthcare	8.5%	-
Industrials	8.0%	99.1%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	-
Energy	3.5%	-
Utilities	2.8%	-
Real Estate	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.8%	-

Return for Risk

VOO vs. XAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 70
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 71
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 76

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 49
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). 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	XAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	1.50	+0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	2.20	+0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.25	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.75	2.43	+0.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.42	6.81	+5.61

VOO vs. XAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOO Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is higher than the XAR Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOO and XAR, 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. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOO drawdown since its inception was -33.99%, smaller than the maximum XAR drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOO and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOO	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.99%	-46.37%	+12.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-17.22%	+8.32%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.69%	-19.73%	+1.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.52%	-32.40%	+7.88%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.99%	-46.37%	+12.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.34%	-4.32%	+1.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.68%	-6.78%	+3.10%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	6.13%	-4.16%

Volatility

VOO vs. XAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is 4.34%, while SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) has a volatility of 11.46%. This indicates that VOO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOO	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.34%	11.46%	-7.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.58%	23.56%	-13.98%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.27%	27.85%	-15.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.88%	23.66%	-6.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.03%	24.74%	-6.71%

VOO vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOO has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than XAR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

VOO vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

VOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%, more than XAR's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.05%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.31%	0.40%	0.66%	0.54%	0.50%	0.83%	0.63%	0.75%	1.19%	0.76%	1.09%	2.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOO and XAR in my portfolio?

VOO and XAR have a correlation of 0.60, 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 XAR?

XAR has higher volatility (11.46%) compared to VOO (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOO dropped -33.99% vs XAR's -46.37%.

Which ETF is better, VOO or XAR?

On 10-year performance, XAR leads with 18.45% vs 15.50% for VOO. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VOO has been the lower-risk option at 4.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOO or XAR?

Over the 10-year period, XAR has performed better with a 18.45% return vs 15.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOO or XAR?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XAR.

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

VOO has the higher dividend yield at 1.05%, compared with 0.31% for XAR.

What is the main difference between VOO and XAR?

VOO is categorized as S&P 500, while XAR is Aerospace & Defense. VOO tracks S&P 500 Index, while XAR tracks S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VOO and 0.35% for XAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.50), 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.