GSSC vs VOO
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. GSSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. GSSC offers more diversification with 1,422 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSSC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 1,422 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +22.85% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.30% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.63% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.11% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Goldman Sachs Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GSSC vs VOO Performance
Goldman Sachs ActiveBeta US Small Cap Equity ETF (GSSC) is a ETF from Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSSC returned +30.30% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, GSSC is up 22.85% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, GSSC compounded at +17.63% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.11% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +10.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GSSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -42.5% for GSSC 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSSC charges 0.20% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSSC currently yields 1.05% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GSSC and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1734 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in GSSC | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AOS | 0.03% | 0.01% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GSSC or VOO?
GSSC has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSSC or VOO?
Over the past year GSSC returned +30.30% vs +21.79% for VOO, so GSSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GSSC annualized +10.35% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSSC or VOO?
GSSC has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GSSC -42.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GSSC and VOO?
GSSC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSSC and VOO?
GSSC and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1734 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSSC or VOO?
GSSC yields 1.05% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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