BELT vs VOO
iShares US Select Equity Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BELT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.02% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.04% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.13% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BELT vs VOO Performance
iShares US Select Equity Active ETF (BELT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BELT returned +21.13% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, BELT is up 18.04% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BELT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -23.1% for BELT and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BELT charges 0.75% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BELT currently yields 0.02% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BELT and VOO share 16 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BELT or VOO?
BELT has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BELT or VOO?
Over the past year BELT returned +21.13% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BELT annualized +13.53% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BELT or VOO?
BELT has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: BELT -23.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BELT and VOO?
BELT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BELT and VOO?
BELT and VOO share 16 common holdings with a 19.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BELT or VOO?
BELT yields 0.02% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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