CSM vs VOO
ProShares Large Cap Core Plus vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. CSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CSM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $509M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 308 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.74% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.40% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.82% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 13, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CSM vs VOO Performance
ProShares Large Cap Core Plus (CSM) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CSM returned +22.40% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, CSM is up 12.74% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, CSM compounded at +21.49% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.82% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, CSM has the edge at +15.01% annualized vs +13.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 14.2% 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 -36.1% for CSM 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSM charges 0.45% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSM currently yields 1.05% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CSM and VOO share 283 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSM or VOO?
CSM has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CSM or VOO?
Over the past year CSM returned +22.40% vs +22.02% for VOO, so CSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CSM annualized +15.01% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CSM or VOO?
CSM has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CSM -36.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CSM and VOO?
CSM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 CSM and VOO?
CSM and VOO share 283 common holdings with a 53.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSM or VOO?
CSM yields 1.05% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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