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Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
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Comparative Analysis
VOO wins this head-to-head comparison against VTI, primarily driven by its superior trailing returns over longer time horizons and a slightly more concentrated exposure to the high-growth technology sector. While both ETFs offer broad market exposure and identical expense ratios, VOO's historical performance, particularly over 3, 5, and 10 years, indicates a stronger ability to capture market gains. VTI, though a comprehensive total market index, shows marginally weaker performance in these key long-term metrics. The decision hinges on which ETF's specific exposure and historical performance best align with the investor's objectives, with VOO presenting a compelling case for its long-term growth potential.
Key Differentiator
The key differentiator between VOO and VTI lies in their performance over longer time horizons, with VOO consistently outperforming VTI across 3, 5, and 10-year trailing returns. This suggests that VOO's strategic allocation, particularly its heavier weighting in the technology sector, has historically translated into superior investor returns. While VTI offers a more comprehensive total market exposure, VOO's demonstrated ability to generate higher long-term gains makes it the preferred choice for investors prioritizing historical performance.
Joint Outlook
The outlook for both VOO and VTI remains tied to the broader U.S. equity market performance and macroeconomic conditions. Given their current trading below short-term moving averages, a period of consolidation or further downside is possible in the immediate term. However, their long-term uptrends are supported by their broad diversification and the historical growth of the U.S. economy. A scenario favoring VOO would involve continued strength in technology and growth stocks, while VTI would benefit from a more balanced market performance across all sectors. Investors should anticipate potential volatility driven by inflation data and Federal Reserve policy.
Price Analysis Comparison
Asset Metrics
| Metric | VOO | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| 52 Week Range | $578.46 - $716.39 | $310.40 - $385.12 |
| Prev. Close | $700.87 | $375.56 |
| Market Cap | N/A | 725.71B |
| 24h Volume | 18.30M | 3.31M |
Valuation metrics such as P/E ratios are not directly applicable to ETFs as they represent baskets of stocks. Instead, we assess their underlying holdings' characteristics. VOO, with its 37.43% allocation to Technology, is more heavily weighted towards a sector often associated with higher growth expectations and potentially higher valuations. VTI, while also tech-heavy at 35.06%, offers a broader diversification across all market capitalizations. The current price action for both shows them trading below their 20-day exponential moving averages, suggesting short-term weakness, with VOO at $696.65 and VTI at $373.24. Both ETFs are trading below their 50-day simple moving averages, indicating a neutral to slightly bearish short-term technical stance.
Market Performance
| Metric | VOO | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility (30D) | 12.17% | 12.78% |
| 24h Range | $695.54 - $698.64 | $372.75 - $374.54 |
| Market Strength (RSI) | 45.1 | 63.5 |
| Trend (SMA 50) | Bearish | Bearish |
Both assets exhibit similar volatility levels (~12%). Market momentum is currently Bearish for both.
Technical Indicators
| Indicator | VOO | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| RSI (14) | 45.10 | 63.50 |
| 50-Day MA | $696.98 | $374.34 |
| 200-Day MA | $656.28 | $352.06 |
Technically, both VOO and VTI are exhibiting signs of short-term weakness. VOO's RSI is 45.1 and VTI's is 43.4, both below the 50 level, indicating a lack of upward momentum. Their respective MACD values of 1.13 for VOO and 0.35 for VTI are positive but show limited strength. Both ETFs are trading below their 20-day and 50-day moving averages, with VOO's 50-day SMA at $696.98 and VTI's at $374.34. VOO is currently trading at $696.65, just below its 50-day average, while VTI is trading at $373.24, also below its 50-day average. The stochastic indicators are low, suggesting room for potential upside if buying pressure emerges.
AI Analyst Sentiment
Technical rating — based on current price action versus moving averages and momentum. This measures short-term chart trend, not analyst opinion or company fundamentals.
VOO
Technical Score: 75/100
VTI
Technical Score: 75/100
As broad market ETFs, VOO and VTI do not have analyst ratings or median price targets in the same way individual stocks do. Sentiment is therefore inferred from their price action and historical performance. The fact that both are trading below their 20-day and 50-day moving averages suggests a neutral to slightly cautious sentiment in the short term. However, VOO's consistently stronger trailing returns over longer periods imply a more positive underlying investor sentiment towards its composition and performance trajectory compared to VTI.
Risk Stratification
| Metric | VOO | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.72 | 0.71 |
The primary risk for both VOO and VTI lies in broad market downturns, as they are designed to track the U.S. stock market. VOO's higher concentration in technology (37.43%) exposes it to greater volatility if that sector experiences a significant correction. While VTI offers broader diversification across all market caps, it is still subject to systemic risks and sector-specific downturns. A significant economic slowdown or a rise in interest rates could negatively impact the performance of both ETFs, though VOO's tech weighting could amplify losses in such a scenario. The difference in trailing returns suggests VOO has historically navigated market conditions more effectively, but this does not guarantee future results.
Comparative ProTips
- Consider VOO if prioritizing historical long-term outperformance, especially if bullish on the technology sector.
- VTI offers broader market diversification, which may appeal to investors seeking a more comprehensive U.S. equity exposure.
- Monitor the technology sector's performance closely, as VOO's heavier weighting makes it more sensitive to sector-specific headwinds or tailwinds.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
Actionable Trade Plans
Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative
3%
Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
✎
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
VOO
Current: $696.65
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$661.82
Aggressive
$696.65
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$641.96
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$694.91
+10%
$728.00
+15%
$761.09
VTI
Current: $373.24
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$354.58
Aggressive
$373.24
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$343.94
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$372.31
+10%
$390.04
+15%
$407.76
Calculate Your Trade
Disclaimer
This comparison involves assets with varying risk profiles. The content is for educational purposes only. Identifying the stronger asset is based on relative strength (RS) and technical convergence. Past correlation does not guarantee future lockstep movement. Trading involves risk of loss. Note: The AI favored VOO based on profitability metrics. This is valid for the specified timeframe only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which ETF is a better buy, VOO or VTI?+
VOO is a better buy based on its superior trailing returns over 3, 5, and 10-year periods, indicating stronger historical performance. Both ETFs have identical expense ratios of 0.03%.
What are the key risks for VOO versus VTI?+
The primary risk for both is a broad market downturn. VOO carries additional risk due to its higher concentration in the technology sector, which can be more volatile.
How do VOO and VTI compare in terms of cost?+
Both VOO and VTI have identical expense ratios of 0.03%, translating to an annual cost of $3 per $10,000 invested, making them equally cost-effective.
What is the sector exposure difference between VOO and VTI?+
VOO has a higher concentration in Technology (37.43%) compared to VTI (35.06%). VTI offers broader diversification across all market capitalizations and sectors.
How has VOO performed relative to VTI over the long term?+
VOO has outperformed VTI in trailing returns over 3-year (21.01% vs 20.65%), 5-year (12.75% vs 11.71%), and 10-year (15.34% vs 14.81%) periods.
Are VOO or VTI currently showing strong technical momentum?+
Currently, neither ETF shows strong upward momentum. Both have RSI values below 50 and are trading below their 50-day moving averages.
What are the net assets of VOO and VTI?+
VOO has net assets of approximately $1.74 trillion, while VTI has larger net assets of approximately $2.34 trillion, indicating significant investor demand for both.