KOKU vs VOO
Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. KOKU offers more diversification with 1,144 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KOKU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $819M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 1,144 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.05% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.59% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.23% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.92% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
KOKU vs VOO Performance
Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KOKU returned +20.59% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, KOKU is up 12.05% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, KOKU compounded at +21.23% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.92% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, KOKU has the edge at +18.06% annualized vs +13.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KOKU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -25.8% for KOKU 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KOKU charges 0.09% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $3 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KOKU currently yields 1.43% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
KOKU and VOO share 441 holdings out of 1173 unique holdings combined, representing a 73.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KOKU or VOO?
KOKU has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KOKU or VOO?
Over the past year KOKU returned +20.59% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), KOKU annualized +18.06% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KOKU or VOO?
KOKU has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: KOKU -25.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both KOKU and VOO?
KOKU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between KOKU and VOO?
KOKU and VOO share 441 common holdings with a 73.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1173 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KOKU or VOO?
KOKU yields 1.43% while VOO yields 1.08%, so KOKU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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