VOO vs. XLG

Last updated Jun 16, 2026

VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) and XLG (Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF) are both S&P 500 funds - VOO tracks the S&P 500 Index while XLG tracks the S&P 500 Top 50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOO returned 15.72%/yr vs 17.23%/yr for XLG. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VOO charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for XLG.

Performance

VOO vs. XLG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOO achieves a 10.99% return, which is significantly higher than XLG's 5.56% return. Over the past 10 years, VOO has underperformed XLG with an annualized return of 15.72%, while XLG has yielded a comparatively higher 17.23% annualized return.

VOO

• 1D: 1.74%
• 1M: 2.12%
• YTD: 10.99%
• 6M: 11.51%
• 1Y: 27.95%
• 3Y*: 21.25%
• 5Y*: 13.93%
• 10Y*: 15.72%

XLG

• 1D: 1.88%
• 1M: -1.70%
• YTD: 5.56%
• 6M: 6.64%
• 1Y: 25.51%
• 3Y*: 22.53%
• 5Y*: 15.57%
• 10Y*: 17.23%

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

VOO vs. XLG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	10.99%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	5.56%	19.51%	33.49%	38.16%	-24.29%	30.77%	24.15%	32.04%	-3.59%	23.04%

Correlation

The correlation between VOO and XLG is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.96

The correlation between VOO and XLG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

VOO vs. XLG - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOO	XLG
Technology	35.6%	45.9%
Financial Services	11.6%	9.5%
Communication Services	11.1%	15.9%
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	10.6%
Healthcare	8.5%	7.4%
Industrials	8.0%	2.0%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	5.5%
Energy	3.5%	2.6%
Utilities	2.8%	-
Real Estate	1.9%	-
Basic Materials	1.8%	0.6%

Return for Risk

VOO vs. XLG — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 78
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 79
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 81

XLG

XLG Risk / Return Rank: 56
XLG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
XLG Sortino Ratio Rank: 60
XLG Omega Ratio Rank: 61
XLG Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
XLG Martin Ratio Rank: 49

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. XLG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG). 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	XLG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.28	1.86	+0.42
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.07	2.52	+0.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.33	+0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	2.06	+1.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.25	7.55	+6.70

VOO vs. XLG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOO Sharpe Ratio is 2.28, which is comparable to the XLG Sharpe Ratio of 1.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOO and XLG, 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. XLG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOO drawdown since its inception was -33.99%, smaller than the maximum XLG drawdown of -52.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOO and XLG.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOO	XLG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.99%	-52.39%	+18.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.90%	-12.41%	+3.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.69%	-20.70%	+2.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.52%	-28.02%	+3.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.99%	-30.46%	-3.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.63%	-3.28%	+2.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.68%	-7.64%	+3.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.97%	3.39%	-1.42%

Volatility

VOO vs. XLG - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF (XLG) have volatilities of 4.61% and 4.58%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOO	XLG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.61%	4.58%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.72%	10.57%	-0.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.34%	13.78%	-1.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.90%	18.76%	-1.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.05%	18.88%	-0.83%

VOO vs. XLG - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOO has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than XLG's 0.20% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VOO vs. XLG - Dividend Comparison

VOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.03%, more than XLG's 0.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.03%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
XLG Invesco S&P 500 Top 50 ETF	0.61%	0.64%	0.72%	0.97%	1.34%	0.94%	1.25%	1.58%	2.00%	1.85%	2.00%	2.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOO and XLG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, VOO and XLG 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 XLG?

VOO has higher volatility (4.61%) compared to XLG (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOO dropped -33.99% vs XLG's -52.39%.

Which ETF is better, VOO or XLG?

On 10-year performance, XLG leads with 17.23% vs 15.72% for VOO. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOO or XLG?

Over the 10-year period, XLG has performed better with a 17.23% return vs 15.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOO or XLG?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.20% for XLG.

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

VOO has the higher dividend yield at 1.03%, compared with 0.61% for XLG.

What is the main difference between VOO and XLG?

VOO tracks S&P 500 Index, while XLG tracks S&P 500 Top 50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Invesco. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VOO and 0.20% for XLG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.28 vs 1.86), 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.