JNK vs VOO
State Street SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. JNK offers more diversification with 1,231 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JNK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.7B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.65% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 1,231 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.36% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.64% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.55% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.61% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
JNK vs VOO Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF (JNK) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JNK returned +5.64% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, JNK is up 2.36% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, JNK compounded at +8.55% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.61% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs -0.42%. 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 10.9% for JNK. 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 -46.2% for JNK 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JNK charges 0.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JNK currently yields 6.65% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
JNK and VOO share 0 holdings out of 548 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, JNK or VOO?
JNK has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JNK or VOO?
Over the past year JNK returned +5.64% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), JNK annualized -0.42% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JNK or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.9% for JNK. Worst drawdown: JNK -46.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both JNK and VOO?
JNK and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JNK and VOO?
JNK and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 548 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JNK or VOO?
JNK yields 6.65% while VOO yields 1.08%, so JNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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