VT vs. VOO

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VT returned 12.56%/yr vs 15.35%/yr for VOO. Their 0.95 correlation means they have historically moved very closely together. VT charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

VT vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). 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 VT having a 14.23% return and VOO slightly lower at 13.52%. Over the past 10 years, VT has underperformed VOO with an annualized return of 12.56%, while VOO has yielded a comparatively higher 15.35% annualized return.

VT

• 1D: -0.17%
• 1M: 1.50%
• 6M: 11.02%
• YTD: 14.23%
• 1Y: 25.42%
• 3Y*: 20.10%
• 5Y*: 10.98%
• 10Y*: 12.56%
• ALL TIME*: 8.97%

VOO

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 2.46%
• 6M: 12.84%
• YTD: 13.52%
• 1Y: 24.01%
• 3Y*: 21.49%
• 5Y*: 13.30%
• 10Y*: 15.35%
• ALL TIME*: 14.99%

*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	$4.29B	$3.83B	$5.49B
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	$470.51M	$374.42M	$484.76M

VT vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	14.23%	22.43%	16.49%	22.02%	-18.00%	18.27%	16.59%	26.81%	-9.76%	24.50%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	13.52%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%

Correlation

The correlation between VT and VOO is 0.96 - 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.	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Balances recent behavior with more history.	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Shows whether the relationship held over a longer period.	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Provides a long-term view across more market conditions.	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.95

The correlation between VT and VOO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

VT vs. VOO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VT	VOO
Technology	31.2%	38.6%
Financial Services	15.7%	11.4%
Industrials	11.7%	8.5%
Consumer Cyclical	9.0%	9.5%
Healthcare	8.3%	8.9%
Communication Services	7.4%	9.9%
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	4.5%
Basic Materials	3.8%	1.7%
Energy	3.6%	3.0%
Utilities	2.5%	2.2%
Real Estate	2.3%	1.8%

Return for Risk

VT vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 70
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 76

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 72
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 72
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 70
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 71
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 79

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

VT vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	VT	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	1.88	-0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.54	2.60	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.34	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.64	2.71	-0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.98	11.57	-0.59

VT vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VT Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is comparable to the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VT and VOO, 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

VT vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VT drawdown since its inception was -50.27%, which is greater than VOO's maximum drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VT and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	VT	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.27%	-33.99%	-16.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-8.90%	-0.77%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	-18.69%	+2.18%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.38%	-24.52%	-1.86%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.24%	-33.99%	-0.25%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.17%	-0.19%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.97%	-3.67%	-3.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.32%	2.08%	+0.24%

Volatility

VT vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) have volatilities of 4.27% and 4.07%, 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

	VT	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.27%	4.07%	+0.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.81%	10.27%	+1.54%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.97%	12.81%	+1.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.24%	16.96%	-0.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.19%	18.03%	-0.84%

VT vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

VT has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VT vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

VT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.55%, more than VOO's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.04%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.55%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VT and VOO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, VT and VOO 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, VT or VOO?

VT has higher volatility (4.27%) compared to VOO (4.07%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VT dropped -50.27% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which ETF is better, VT or VOO?

On 10-year performance, VOO leads with 15.35% vs 12.56% for VT. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VOO has been the lower-risk option at 4.07%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VT or VOO?

Over the 10-year period, VOO has performed better with a 15.35% return vs 12.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VT or VOO?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.06% for VT.

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

VT has the higher dividend yield at 1.55%, compared with 1.04% for VOO.

What is the main difference between VT and VOO?

VT is categorized as Global Equities, while VOO is S&P 500. VT tracks FTSE Global All Cap Index, while VOO tracks S&P 500 Index. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VT and 0.03% for VOO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.83), 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.