VOOV vs. VPU

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

VOOV (Vanguard S&P 500 Value ETF) and VPU (Vanguard Utilities ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VOOV is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the S&P 500 Value Index, while VPU is a Utilities Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VOOV returned 12.14%/yr vs 9.17%/yr for VPU. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VOOV charges 0.07%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VPU.

Performance

VOOV vs. VPU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard S&P 500 Value ETF (VOOV) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VOOV achieves a 7.89% return, which is significantly higher than VPU's 5.98% return. Over the past 10 years, VOOV has outperformed VPU with an annualized return of 12.14%, while VPU has yielded a comparatively lower 9.17% annualized return.

VOOV

• 1D: 0.25%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 7.89%
• 6M: 7.27%
• 1Y: 21.39%
• 3Y*: 15.29%
• 5Y*: 11.39%
• 10Y*: 12.14%

VPU

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 5.98%
• 6M: 6.31%
• 1Y: 14.60%
• 3Y*: 14.56%
• 5Y*: 10.18%
• 10Y*: 9.17%

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

VOOV vs. VPU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VOOV Vanguard S&P 500 Value ETF	7.89%	13.10%	12.21%	22.15%	-5.37%	24.87%	1.23%	31.75%	-9.09%	15.26%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	5.98%	16.46%	23.04%	-7.45%	1.06%	17.40%	-0.74%	24.89%	4.38%	12.44%

Correlation

The correlation between VOOV and VPU is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.49

The correlation between VOOV and VPU shifts across timeframes, from 0.37 (1 year) to 0.54 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VOOV vs. VPU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VOOV	VPU
Technology	19.0%	-
Financial Services	15.0%	-
Healthcare	11.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	11.1%	-
Industrials	11.0%	0.2%
Consumer Defensive	9.5%	-
Energy	7.6%	0.5%
Utilities	4.6%	99.3%
Basic Materials	3.5%	-
Real Estate	3.4%	-
Communication Services	3.3%	-

Return for Risk

VOOV vs. VPU — Risk / Return Rank

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

VOOV

VOOV Risk / Return Rank: 69
VOOV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VOOV Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VOOV Omega Ratio Rank: 67
VOOV Calmar Ratio Rank: 70
VOOV Martin Ratio Rank: 72

VPU

VPU Risk / Return Rank: 29
VPU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
VPU Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
VPU Omega Ratio Rank: 27
VPU Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
VPU Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

VOOV vs. VPU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard S&P 500 Value ETF (VOOV) and Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU). 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.

	VOOV	VPU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.16	1.02	+1.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.98	1.43	+1.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.18	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.43	1.65	+1.78
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.00	3.51	+9.49

VOOV vs. VPU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VOOV Sharpe Ratio is 2.16, which is higher than the VPU Sharpe Ratio of 1.02. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VOOV and VPU, 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

VOOV vs. VPU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VOOV drawdown since its inception was -37.31%, smaller than the maximum VPU drawdown of -46.31%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VOOV and VPU.

Drawdown Indicators

	VOOV	VPU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-37.31%	-46.31%	+9.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.27%	-8.90%	+2.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.55%	-17.34%	-0.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.10%	-25.15%	+7.05%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-37.31%	-36.42%	-0.89%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.92%	-4.74%	+3.82%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.83%	-7.78%	+3.95%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.65%	4.16%	-2.51%

Volatility

VOOV vs. VPU - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard S&P 500 Value ETF (VOOV) is 2.94%, while Vanguard Utilities ETF (VPU) has a volatility of 5.20%. This indicates that VOOV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VOOV	VPU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.94%	5.20%	-2.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.36%	11.54%	-4.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.98%	14.45%	-4.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.44%	17.03%	-2.59%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.96%	19.15%	-2.19%

VOOV vs. VPU - Expense Ratio Comparison

VOOV has a 0.07% expense ratio, which is lower than VPU's 0.09% 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

VOOV vs. VPU - Dividend Comparison

VOOV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.67%, less than VPU's 2.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VOOV Vanguard S&P 500 Value ETF	1.67%	1.76%	2.10%	1.69%	2.19%	1.87%	2.45%	2.10%	2.65%	2.13%	2.24%	2.36%
VPU Vanguard Utilities ETF	2.61%	2.73%	3.02%	3.49%	2.98%	2.70%	3.17%	2.83%	3.23%	3.18%	3.19%	3.63%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VOOV and VPU in my portfolio?

VOOV and VPU have a correlation of 0.37, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VOOV or VPU?

VPU has higher volatility (5.20%) compared to VOOV (2.94%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VOOV dropped -37.31% vs VPU's -46.31%.

Which ETF is better, VOOV or VPU?

On 10-year performance, VOOV leads with 12.14% vs 9.17% for VPU. On fees, VOOV is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VOOV has been the lower-risk option at 2.94%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VOOV or VPU?

Over the 10-year period, VOOV has performed better with a 12.14% return vs 9.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VOOV or VPU?

VOOV is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.09% for VPU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VOOV or VPU?

VPU has the higher dividend yield at 2.61%, compared with 1.67% for VOOV.

What is the main difference between VOOV and VPU?

VOOV is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while VPU is Utilities Equities. VOOV tracks S&P 500 Value Index, while VPU tracks MSCI US Investable Market Utilities 25/50 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.07% for VOOV and 0.09% for VPU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOOV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.16 vs 1.02), 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.