HIMU vs VOO
iShares High Yield Muni Active 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 | HIMU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.08% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 909 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.18% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.10% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 7, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HIMU vs VOO Performance
iShares High Yield Muni Active ETF (HIMU) 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 HIMU returned +4.10% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, HIMU is down 0.18% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 5.9% for HIMU. 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 -8.0% for HIMU 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HIMU charges 0.42% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $3 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HIMU currently yields 5.08% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HIMU and VOO share 0 holdings out of 721 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, HIMU or VOO?
HIMU has an expense ratio of 0.42% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HIMU or VOO?
Over the past year HIMU returned +4.10% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HIMU annualized +0.37% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HIMU or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 5.9% for HIMU. Worst drawdown: HIMU -8.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HIMU and VOO?
HIMU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HIMU and VOO?
HIMU and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 721 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HIMU or VOO?
HIMU yields 5.08% while VOO yields 1.09%, so HIMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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