BST vs VOO
BlackRock Science and Technology Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. BST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BST | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.73% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +26.40% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.30% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.11% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.59% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 29, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BST vs VOO Performance
BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (BST) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BST returned +38.30% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, BST is up 26.40% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, BST compounded at +24.11% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.59% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +12.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -46.6% for BST 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BST charges 1.00% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $3 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BST currently yields 7.73% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BST and VOO share 23 holdings out of 529 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BST or VOO?
BST has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BST or VOO?
Over the past year BST returned +38.30% vs +22.62% for VOO, so BST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BST annualized +12.49% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BST or VOO?
BST has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: BST -46.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BST and VOO?
BST and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BST and VOO?
BST and VOO share 23 common holdings with a 32.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 529 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BST or VOO?
BST yields 7.73% while VOO yields 1.09%, so BST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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