KWT vs VOO
iShares MSCI Kuwait 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KWT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $72M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.66% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -2.04% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.98% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.32% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.00% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 1, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
KWT vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Kuwait ETF (KWT) 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 KWT returned -1.98% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, KWT is down 2.04% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, KWT compounded at +9.32% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.00% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +11.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 13.8% for KWT. 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 -24.4% for KWT 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KWT charges 0.74% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KWT currently yields 5.66% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
KWT and VOO share 0 holdings out of 541 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, KWT or VOO?
KWT has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KWT or VOO?
Over the past year KWT returned -1.98% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), KWT annualized +11.92% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KWT or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 13.8% for KWT. Worst drawdown: KWT -24.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both KWT and VOO?
KWT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KWT and VOO?
KWT and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KWT or VOO?
KWT yields 5.66% while VOO yields 1.09%, so KWT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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