GENZ vs VOO
VanEck Digital Native Economy 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 | GENZ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $17M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.54% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -2.65% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.86% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.60% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.38% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GENZ vs VOO Performance
VanEck Digital Native Economy ETF (GENZ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GENZ returned -8.86% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, GENZ is down 2.65% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, GENZ compounded at +0.60% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -1.38% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GENZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -71.1% for GENZ 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GENZ 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, GENZ currently yields 3.54% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GENZ and VOO share 15 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GENZ or VOO?
GENZ 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, GENZ or VOO?
Over the past year GENZ returned -8.86% vs +21.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GENZ annualized +2.22% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GENZ or VOO?
GENZ has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GENZ -71.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GENZ and VOO?
GENZ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GENZ and VOO?
GENZ and VOO share 15 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GENZ or VOO?
GENZ yields 3.54% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GENZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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