VOO vs DIA: Head-to-Head Comparison
VOO vs DIA: Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF charges 0.16%. VOO holds 503 securities vs DIA's 30. 5-year returns: 15.80% vs 11.80%.
Last updated: April 2026
S&P vs Dow
Quick Verdict
VOO edges out DIA with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8). It offers lower fees for new investors.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | DIA |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.16% |
| AUM | $560.0B | $37.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.80% |
| Holdings | 503 | 30 |
| 1-Year Return | 26.70% | 21.50% |
| 5-Year Return (Ann.) | 15.80% | 11.80% |
| 10-Year Return (Ann.) | 13.30% | 11.20% |
| Beta | 1.00 | 0.92 |
| P/E Ratio | 25.8 | 22.5 |
VOO 5-year annualized return is 15.80% compared to DIA's 11.80%. Over 10 years, VOO returned 13.30% vs DIA's 11.20%.
View data table
| Period | VOO Return | DIA Return |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | 3.20% | 2.80% |
| 1 Year | 26.70% | 21.50% |
| 3 Year | 11.20% | 9.20% |
| 5 Year | 15.80% | 11.80% |
| 10 Year | 13.30% | 11.20% |
Key Differences Between VOO and DIA
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.
DIA (SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF) is a u.s. large-cap value fund managed by State Street Global Advisors. DIA tracks the Dow Jones Industrial Average, one of the oldest and most famous stock market indexes in the world, consisting of 30 blue-chip American companies. Unlike the S&P 500 which is weighted by market capitalization, the Dow is price-weighted, meaning higher-priced stocks have more influence. Beginners should know that DIA offers concentrated exposure to well-known industry leaders but is far less diversified than broader index funds.
The most notable differences are in fees (0.03% vs 0.16%), number of holdings (503 vs 30), and 5-year returns (15.80% vs 11.80%).
VOO vs DIA multi-factor comparison: VOO has a 0.03% expense ratio, 15.80% 5-year return, 503 holdings, 1.00 beta, and 1.30% yield. DIA has 0.16% expense ratio, 11.80% 5-year return, 30 holdings, 0.92 beta, and 1.80% yield.
View data table
| Metric | VOO | DIA |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.16% |
| 5-Year Return | 15.80% | 11.80% |
| Holdings | 503 | 30 |
| Beta | 1.00 | 0.92 |
| Dividend Yield | 1.30% | 1.80% |
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Holdings Overlap Analysis
5%
Holdings Overlap
VOO and DIA share only 5% of their top holdings. These funds are quite different, making them complementary choices if you want broader market coverage.
VOO and DIA share 5% of their top holdings (low overlap). VOO has 503 total holdings and DIA has 30. Common holdings include MSFT.
View data table
| Metric | VOO | DIA |
|---|---|---|
| Overlap | 5% | 5% |
| Unique Holdings | 95% | 95% |
| Total Holdings | 503 | 30 |
Cost Comparison Over Time
If you invest $10,000 and hold for 20 years (assuming 8% annual returns):
VOO
Fee cost: $258
DIA
Fee cost: $1,362
Over 20 years, the fee difference amounts to $1,104 on a $10,000 investment. VOO saves you more in fees over time.
On a $10,000 investment over 20 years at 8% return, VOO (0.03% fee) grows to $46,351 while DIA (0.16% fee) grows to $45,248. The fee difference costs $1,103.
View data table
| Year | VOO Value | DIA Value |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | $10,000 | $10,000 |
| 5 | $14,673 | $14,585 |
| 10 | $21,529 | $21,272 |
| 15 | $31,590 | $31,024 |
| 20 | $46,351 | $45,248 |
Which One Should a Beginner Choose?
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%.
Choose DIA if: You want investors who want concentrated exposure to iconic blue-chip american companies, those who prefer a more balanced sector allocation without heavy tech concentration, investors who follow the dow jones industrial average as their primary market benchmark. It's managed by State Street Global Advisors with an expense ratio of 0.16%.
Can You Own Both VOO and DIA?
Absolutely! With only 5% overlap, VOO and DIA 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 VOO or DIA?▾
VOO edges out DIA with a stronger Beginner Suitability Score (9.5 vs 8). It offers lower fees for new investors. However, both are solid options. VOO is best for investors who want beginning investors looking for a simple core portfolio holding, while DIA is better suited for investors who want concentrated exposure to iconic blue-chip american companies.
What is the difference between VOO and DIA?▾
VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) tracks u.s. large-cap blend investments with 503 holdings and a 0.03% expense ratio. DIA (SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF) focuses on u.s. large-cap value with 30 holdings at 0.16%. Their top holdings overlap by 5%.
Can I own both VOO and DIA?▾
Yes! With only 5% holdings overlap, VOO and DIA complement each other well. Owning both gives you broader diversification.