HARD vs VOO
Simplify Commodities Strategy No K-1 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HARD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.78% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $82M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.90% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.99% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.40% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HARD vs VOO Performance
Simplify Commodities Strategy No K-1 ETF (HARD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HARD returned +5.99% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, HARD is up 2.90% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, HARD compounded at +8.40% per year against +21.50% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +8.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HARD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -21.0% for HARD 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 -0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HARD charges 0.78% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $78 vs $3 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HARD currently yields 3.15% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HARD and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 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, HARD or VOO?
HARD has an expense ratio of 0.78% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HARD or VOO?
Over the past year HARD returned +5.99% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HARD annualized +8.72% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HARD or VOO?
HARD has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HARD -21.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HARD and VOO?
HARD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HARD and VOO?
HARD and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HARD or VOO?
HARD yields 3.15% while VOO yields 1.09%, so HARD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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