ION vs VOO
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ION delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ION | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -3.15% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +50.72% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.93% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ION vs VOO Performance
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ION returned +50.72% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, ION is down 3.15% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, ION compounded at +16.93% per year against +22.09% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +7.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ION has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.1% 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 -52.2% for ION 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ION charges 0.58% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ION currently yields 1.61% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ION and VOO share 1 holdings out of 556 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 ION | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALB | 2.83% | 0.02% | 2.81% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ION or VOO?
ION has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ION or VOO?
Over the past year ION returned +50.72% vs +20.69% for VOO, so ION leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), ION annualized +7.16% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ION or VOO?
ION has been the more volatile fund at 31.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ION -52.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ION and VOO?
ION and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ION and VOO?
ION and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 556 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ION or VOO?
ION yields 1.61% while VOO yields 1.08%, so ION currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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