HEQT vs VOO
Simplify Hedged Equity 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 | HEQT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $305M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.19% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.50% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.20% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.89% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HEQT vs VOO Performance
Simplify Hedged Equity ETF (HEQT) 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 HEQT returned +13.20% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, HEQT is up 7.50% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, HEQT compounded at +13.89% per year against +21.79% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +9.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 7.9% for HEQT. 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 -11.5% for HEQT 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HEQT charges 0.43% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $3 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HEQT currently yields 1.19% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HEQT 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, HEQT or VOO?
HEQT has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HEQT or VOO?
Over the past year HEQT returned +13.20% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HEQT annualized +9.26% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HEQT or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.9% for HEQT. Worst drawdown: HEQT -11.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HEQT and VOO?
HEQT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between HEQT and VOO?
HEQT and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEQT or VOO?
HEQT yields 1.19% while VOO yields 1.08%, so HEQT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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