Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMAXJVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.03%
AUM$154M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.74%1.09%
Holdings6509
YTD Return+4.45%+13.80%
1Y Return+6.43%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)4.3%14.1%
Max Drawdown-6.3%-34.3%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 28, 2024Sep 7, 2010

MAXJ vs VOO Performance

iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Jun ETF (MAXJ) 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 MAXJ returned +6.43% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, MAXJ is up 4.45% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 4.3% for MAXJ. 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 -6.3% for MAXJ 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MAXJ charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MAXJ currently yields 0.74% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MAXJ and VOO share 0 holdings out of 507 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, MAXJ or VOO?

MAXJ has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MAXJ or VOO?

Over the past year MAXJ returned +6.43% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MAXJ annualized +8.12% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MAXJ or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 4.3% for MAXJ. Worst drawdown: MAXJ -6.3% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both MAXJ and VOO?

MAXJ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MAXJ and VOO?

MAXJ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MAXJ or VOO?

MAXJ yields 0.74% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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