EZA vs VOO
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EZA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EZA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $559M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.88% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.56% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.28% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.29% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.91% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2003 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EZA vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EZA returned +26.28% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, EZA is down 0.56% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, EZA compounded at +26.29% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.91% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +6.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EZA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -68.2% for EZA 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EZA charges 0.59% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EZA currently yields 7.88% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EZA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EZA or VOO?
EZA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EZA or VOO?
Over the past year EZA returned +26.28% vs +21.79% for VOO, so EZA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EZA annualized +6.49% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EZA or VOO?
EZA has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EZA -68.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EZA and VOO?
EZA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EZA and VOO?
EZA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EZA or VOO?
EZA yields 7.88% while VOO yields 1.08%, so EZA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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