KSA vs VOO
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia 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 | KSA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $625M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 124 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.59% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.96% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.44% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.91% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
KSA vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KSA returned +3.96% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, KSA is up 4.59% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, KSA compounded at +0.44% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.91% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +2.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -65.5% for KSA 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KSA charges 0.75% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KSA currently yields 2.77% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
KSA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 623 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, KSA or VOO?
KSA has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KSA or VOO?
Over the past year KSA returned +3.96% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), KSA annualized +2.19% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KSA or VOO?
KSA has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: KSA -65.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both KSA and VOO?
KSA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KSA and VOO?
KSA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 623 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KSA or VOO?
KSA yields 2.77% while VOO yields 1.09%, so KSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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