DAK vs VOO
Dakota Active Equity 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DAK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $42M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.76% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 170 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.47% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.79% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Dakota | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 30, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DAK vs VOO Performance
Dakota Active Equity ETF (DAK) is a ETF from Dakota and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DAK returned +21.79% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, DAK is up 13.47% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.1% for DAK. 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 -7.9% for DAK 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
DAK charges 0.43% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $3 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAK currently yields 0.76% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DAK and VOO share 115 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 41.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAK or VOO?
DAK has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DAK or VOO?
Over the past year DAK returned +21.79% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DAK annualized +21.16% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DAK or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.1% for DAK. Worst drawdown: DAK -7.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DAK and VOO?
DAK 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 DAK and VOO?
DAK and VOO share 115 common holdings with a 41.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAK or VOO?
DAK yields 0.76% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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