ESN vs VOO
Essential 40 Stock ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ESN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $312M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.75% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.66% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | KKM Financial | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 11, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ESN vs VOO Performance
Essential 40 Stock ETF (ESN) is a ETF from KKM Financial and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESN returned +28.66% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, ESN is up 20.75% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 10.9% for ESN. 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 -13.6% for ESN 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESN charges 0.70% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESN currently yields 0.79% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ESN and VOO share 38 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 25.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESN or VOO?
ESN has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESN or VOO?
Over the past year ESN returned +28.66% vs +22.02% for VOO, so ESN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ESN annualized +19.48% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESN or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 10.9% for ESN. Worst drawdown: ESN -13.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ESN and VOO?
ESN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESN and VOO?
ESN and VOO share 38 common holdings with a 25.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESN or VOO?
ESN yields 0.79% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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