MARO vs VOO
YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy 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 | MARO | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $52M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 187.24% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -13.71% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | -47.23% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -71.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MARO vs VOO Performance
YieldMax MARA Option Income Strategy ETF (MARO) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MARO returned -47.23% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, MARO is down 13.71% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MARO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.6% 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 -71.8% for MARO 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MARO charges 1.00% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $3 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MARO currently yields 187.24% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MARO and VOO share 0 holdings out of 508 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, MARO or VOO?
MARO has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MARO or VOO?
Over the past year MARO returned -47.23% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MARO annualized -43.63% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MARO or VOO?
MARO has been the more volatile fund at 52.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MARO -71.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MARO and VOO?
MARO and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MARO and VOO?
MARO and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MARO or VOO?
MARO yields 187.24% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MARO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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