KDEF vs VOO
PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KDEF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $100M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.56% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -1.92% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.48% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 57.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | PLUS ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
KDEF vs VOO Performance
PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) is a ETF from PLUS ETF and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KDEF returned +17.48% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, KDEF is down 1.92% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 57.8% 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 -48.6% for KDEF 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KDEF charges 0.65% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KDEF currently yields 5.56% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
KDEF and VOO share 0 holdings out of 525 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, KDEF or VOO?
KDEF has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KDEF or VOO?
Over the past year KDEF returned +17.48% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KDEF annualized +69.89% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KDEF or VOO?
KDEF has been the more volatile fund at 57.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: KDEF -48.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both KDEF and VOO?
KDEF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KDEF and VOO?
KDEF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KDEF or VOO?
KDEF yields 5.56% while VOO yields 1.09%, so KDEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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