JAPN vs VOO
Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator 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 | JAPN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $26M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.24% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -1.10% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | -10.89% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Kinetics LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
JAPN vs VOO Performance
Horizon Kinetics Japan Owner Operator ETF (JAPN) is a ETF from Horizon Kinetics LLC and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JAPN returned -10.89% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, JAPN is down 1.10% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JAPN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -23.9% for JAPN 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JAPN charges 0.85% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JAPN currently yields 0.24% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
JAPN and VOO share 0 holdings out of 538 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, JAPN or VOO?
JAPN has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JAPN or VOO?
Over the past year JAPN returned -10.89% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), JAPN annualized +1.51% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JAPN or VOO?
JAPN has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: JAPN -23.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both JAPN and VOO?
JAPN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JAPN and VOO?
JAPN and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JAPN or VOO?
JAPN yields 0.24% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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