CDX vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCDXVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.03%
AUM$377M$979.0B
Dividend Yield8.31%1.09%
Holdings227509
YTD Return-1.94%+13.80%
1Y Return-3.14%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+7.23%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)7.5%14.1%
Max Drawdown-13.2%-34.3%
Fund FamilySimplify Exchange Traded FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionFeb 14, 2022Sep 7, 2010

CDX vs VOO Performance

Simplify High Yield ETF (CDX) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CDX returned -3.14% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, CDX is down 1.94% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, CDX compounded at +7.23% per year against +21.50% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +4.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 7.5% for CDX. 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 -13.2% for CDX 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CDX charges 0.25% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CDX currently yields 8.31% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

4.5%overlap

CDX and VOO share 46 holdings out of 615 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CDXWeight in VOODifference
META0.28%1.92%1.64%
JNJ0.27%0.95%0.68%
LRCX0.23%0.84%0.61%
PMProProPro
IBMProProPro
ABTProProPro
DELLProProPro
TTProProPro
BKNGProProPro
SBUXProProPro
See all 10 holdings CDX shares with VOO
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CDX or VOO?

CDX has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CDX or VOO?

Over the past year CDX returned -3.14% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), CDX annualized +4.05% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CDX or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.5% for CDX. Worst drawdown: CDX -13.2% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both CDX and VOO?

CDX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CDX and VOO?

CDX and VOO share 46 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 615 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CDX or VOO?

CDX yields 8.31% while VOO yields 1.09%, so CDX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

X-ray your whole portfolio
$99/yr7-day refund. ETFs, mutual funds, 401(k)s.
Get Pro →