BMED vs VOO
iShares Health Innovation Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. BMED delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BMED | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.26% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.27% | +12.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.73% | +20.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.11% | +21.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.01% | +12.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 29, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BMED vs VOO Performance
iShares Health Innovation Active ETF (BMED) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BMED returned +30.73% while VOO returned +20.89%. Year to date, BMED is up 13.27% versus a gain of 12.63% for VOO.
Over three years, BMED compounded at +13.11% per year against +21.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.01% and +12.62% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.44% annualized vs +5.17%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BMED has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -36.4% for BMED 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BMED charges 0.55% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BMED currently yields 0.26% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BMED and VOO share 21 holdings out of 537 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BMED or VOO?
BMED has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BMED or VOO?
Over the past year BMED returned +30.73% vs +20.89% for VOO, so BMED leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BMED annualized +5.17% vs +13.44% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BMED or VOO?
BMED has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: BMED -36.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BMED and VOO?
BMED and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BMED and VOO?
BMED and VOO share 21 common holdings with a 4.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMED or VOO?
BMED yields 0.26% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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