ISMD vs VOO
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ISMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISMD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $349M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 504 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +28.49% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.70% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.45% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.29% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ISMD vs VOO Performance
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF (ISMD) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISMD returned +33.70% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, ISMD is up 28.49% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, ISMD compounded at +17.45% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.29% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +9.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -45.5% for ISMD 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISMD charges 0.57% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $3 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISMD currently yields 1.12% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ISMD and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1003 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, ISMD or VOO?
ISMD has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISMD or VOO?
Over the past year ISMD returned +33.70% vs +20.69% for VOO, so ISMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ISMD annualized +9.30% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISMD or VOO?
ISMD has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ISMD -45.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ISMD and VOO?
ISMD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISMD and VOO?
ISMD and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1003 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISMD or VOO?
ISMD yields 1.12% while VOO yields 1.08%, so ISMD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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