ISRA vs VOO
VanEck Israel ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. ISRA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISRA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $153M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.16% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.76% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.77% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.99% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ISRA vs VOO Performance
VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISRA returned +40.76% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, ISRA is up 13.16% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, ISRA compounded at +25.77% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.99% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +8.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISRA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -45.0% for ISRA 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISRA charges 0.59% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISRA currently yields 1.35% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ISRA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 584 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, ISRA or VOO?
ISRA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISRA or VOO?
Over the past year ISRA returned +40.76% vs +21.63% for VOO, so ISRA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ISRA annualized +8.98% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISRA or VOO?
ISRA has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ISRA -45.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ISRA and VOO?
ISRA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISRA and VOO?
ISRA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 584 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISRA or VOO?
ISRA yields 1.35% while VOO yields 1.09%, so ISRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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