KNO vs VOO
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. KNO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KNO | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.84% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $44M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +25.39% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.98% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
KNO vs VOO Performance
AXS Knowledge Leaders ETF (KNO) is a ETF from Knowledge Leaders Capital, LLC and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KNO returned +29.98% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, KNO is up 25.39% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KNO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 14.2% 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 -15.5% for KNO 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNO charges 0.84% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $84 vs $3 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNO currently yields 0.85% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
KNO and VOO share 7 holdings out of 562 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNO or VOO?
KNO has an expense ratio of 0.84% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNO or VOO?
Over the past year KNO returned +29.98% vs +22.02% for VOO, so KNO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), KNO annualized +21.77% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNO or VOO?
KNO has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: KNO -15.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both KNO and VOO?
KNO and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNO and VOO?
KNO and VOO share 7 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNO or VOO?
KNO yields 0.85% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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