What is the difference between SPY ETF and VOO ETF?
1/28/2026 02:54pm
The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) and the State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) are both passively managed ETFs that track the S&P 500 Index closely. However, there are some differences between the two:
1. **Expense Ratio**: VOO has a lower expense ratio of 0.03% compared to SPY's 0.09%. This means that VOO has lower fees, which can result in higher returns over time.
2. **Dividend Frequency**: Both ETFs distribute dividends quarterly, but VOO has a lower turnover ratio, which could indicate less trading activity and potentially lower trading costs.
3. **Asset Size and Liquidity**: VOO has a higher asset under management (AUM) of $863.16 billion compared to SPY's $710.82 billion. This could suggest higher liquidity and better ability to handle large inflows or outflows. However, SPY's higher turnover ratio could indicate higher liquidity due to more frequent trading activity.
4. **Holdings**: Both ETFs have similar top holdings, with the main difference being that VOO has a slightly higher weight in technology stocks (35.14%) compared to SPY's 35.1%. This could reflect different investment strategies or market perceptions.
5. **Performance**: Over the past year, both ETFs have experienced a maximum drawdown of around 21.41% to 21.43%, with recovery days in the range of 80 days. This indicates similar risk profiles and recovery abilities.
In conclusion, while both ETFs are solid choices for investors seeking broad market exposure, VOO's lower expense ratio, higher AUM, and slightly different sector weight could make it a more attractive option. However, SPY's higher turnover ratio and similar performance metrics suggest it is also a reliable choice. Investors should consider their specific investment goals, risk tolerance, and cost considerations when choosing between the two.