DESK vs VOO
VanEck Office and Commercial REIT 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DESK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.56% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +11.99% | +12.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.25% | +20.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.79% | +20.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 19, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DESK vs VOO Performance
VanEck Office and Commercial REIT ETF (DESK) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DESK returned +2.25% while VOO returned +20.36%. Year to date, DESK is up 11.99% versus a gain of 12.13% for VOO.
Over three years, DESK compounded at +11.79% per year against +20.90% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.41% annualized vs +11.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DESK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% 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 -28.6% for DESK 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DESK charges 0.51% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $3 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DESK currently yields 4.56% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DESK and VOO share 6 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DESK or VOO?
DESK has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $48 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DESK or VOO?
Over the past year DESK returned +2.25% vs +20.36% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DESK annualized +11.79% vs +13.41% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DESK or VOO?
DESK has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DESK -28.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DESK and VOO?
DESK and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DESK and VOO?
DESK and VOO share 6 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DESK or VOO?
DESK yields 4.56% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DESK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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