GLD vs VOO: Head-to-Head Comparison
GLD vs VOO: SPDR Gold Shares has an expense ratio of 0.40% while Vanguard S&P 500 ETF charges 0.03%. GLD holds 1 securities vs VOO's 503. 5-year returns: 9.80% vs 15.80%.
Last updated: April 2026
Gold vs Stocks
Quick Verdict
VOO edges out GLD with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 7.5). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLD | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% |
| AUM | $70.0B | $560.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.30% |
| Holdings | 1 | 503 |
| 1-Year Return | 15.50% | 26.70% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 9.80% | 15.80% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 6.50% | 13.30% |
| Beta | 0.10 | 1.00 |
| P/E Ratio | N/A | 25.8 |
GLD 5-year annualized return is 9.80% compared to VOO's 15.80%. Over 10 years, GLD returned 6.50% vs VOO's 13.30%.
View data table
| Period | GLD Return | VOO Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 4.20% | 3.20% |
| 1 Year | 15.50% | 26.70% |
| 3 Year | 8.50% | 11.20% |
| 5 Year | 9.80% | 15.80% |
| 10 Year | 6.50% | 13.30% |
Key Differences Between GLD and VOO
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) is a commodities - gold fund managed by State Street Global Advisors. GLD holds physical gold bars in a secure vault and each share represents a fractional ownership of that gold. It is the largest and most liquid gold ETF in the world, making it the easiest way to add gold to your portfolio. Beginners interested in gold as a hedge against inflation or economic uncertainty appreciate that GLD removes the hassle of buying, storing, and insuring physical gold yourself.
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) is a u.s. large-cap blend fund managed by Vanguard. VOO tracks the S&P 500 index, giving you ownership in 500 of the largest U.S. companies in a single investment. It is one of the most popular ETFs in the world thanks to its ultra-low expense ratio and broad market exposure. For beginners, VOO is often recommended as a core portfolio holding because it provides instant diversification across America's leading businesses.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.40% vs 0.03%), number of holdings (1 vs 503), and 5-year returns (9.80% vs 15.80%).
GLD vs VOO multi-factor comparison: GLD has a 0.40% expense ratio, 9.80% 5-year return, 1 holdings, 0.10 beta, and 0.00% yield. VOO has 0.03% expense ratio, 15.80% 5-year return, 503 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield.
View data table
| Metric | GLD | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% |
| 5-Year Return | 9.80% | 15.80% |
| Holdings | 1 | 503 |
| Beta | 0.10 | 1.00 |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.30% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
0%
Holdings Overlap
GLD and VOO share only 0% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
GLD and VOO share 0% of their top holdings (low overlap). GLD has 1 total holdings and VOO has 503.
View data table
| Metric | GLD | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 0% | 0% |
| Unique Holdings | 100% | 100% |
| Total Holdings | 1 | 503 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
GLD
Fee cost: $3,334
VOO
Fee cost: $258
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $3,076 on a $10,000 investment. VOO saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, GLD (0.40% fee) grows to $43,276 while VOO (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351. The fee difference costs $3,075.
View data table
| Year | GLD Value | VOO Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,423 | $14,673 |
| 10 | $20,803 | $21,529 |
| 15 | $30,004 | $31,590 |
| 20 | $43,276 | $46,351 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
Choose GLD if: You want investors seeking a hedge against inflation, currency risk, or geopolitical uncertainty, those who want physical gold exposure without the logistics of buying and storing it, portfolio diversifiers looking for an asset with low correlation to traditional stocks and bonds. It's managed by State Street Global Advisors with an expense ratio of 0.40%.
Choose VOO if: You want beginning investors looking for a simple core portfolio holding, long-term buy-and-hold investors seeking broad u.s. market exposure, cost-conscious investors who want minimal fees. It's managed by Vanguard with an expense ratio of 0.03%.
Can You Own Both GLD and VOO?
Absolutely! With only 0% overlap, GLD and VOO complement each other well. A simple portfolio might allocate 60% to one and 40% to the other, or you could pair them with a bond ETF like BND for a complete three-fund portfolio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy GLD or VOO?▾
VOO edges out GLD with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 7.5). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. GLD is best for investors who want investors seeking a hedge against inflation, currency risk, or geopolitical uncertainty, while VOO is better suited for beginning investors looking for a simple core portfolio holding.
What is the difference between GLD and VOO?▾
GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) tracks commodities - gold investments with 1 holdings and a 0.40% expense ratio. VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) focuses on u.s. large-cap blend with 503 holdings at 0.03%. Their top holdings overlap by 0%.
Can I own both GLD and VOO?▾
Yes! With only 0% holdings overlap, GLD and VOO complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.