ISWN vs VOO
Amplify BlackSwan ISWN 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 | ISWN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $38M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +5.86% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.96% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.34% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.26% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ISWN vs VOO Performance
Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF (ISWN) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISWN returned +9.96% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, ISWN is up 5.86% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, ISWN compounded at +10.34% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -0.26% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +0.31%. 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 12.6% for ISWN. 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 -32.4% for ISWN 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISWN charges 0.49% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISWN currently yields 2.87% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ISWN and VOO share 0 holdings out of 514 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, ISWN or VOO?
ISWN has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISWN or VOO?
Over the past year ISWN returned +9.96% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ISWN annualized +0.31% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISWN or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.6% for ISWN. Worst drawdown: ISWN -32.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ISWN and VOO?
ISWN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISWN and VOO?
ISWN and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISWN or VOO?
ISWN yields 2.87% while VOO yields 1.08%, so ISWN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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