MEAR vs VOO
MEAR vs VOO
iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active 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 | MEAR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.84% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 346 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.30% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.61% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.80% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.09% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 3, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MEAR vs VOO Performance
iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond Active ETF (MEAR) 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 MEAR returned +0.61% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, MEAR is down 0.30% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, MEAR compounded at +2.80% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.09% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +1.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 6.5% for MEAR. 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 -14.4% for MEAR 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 0.02. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MEAR charges 0.26% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $3 annually, a gap of $23 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MEAR currently yields 2.84% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MEAR and VOO share 0 holdings out of 580 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, MEAR or VOO?
MEAR has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $23 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MEAR or VOO?
Over the past year MEAR returned +0.61% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), MEAR annualized +1.51% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MEAR or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.5% for MEAR. Worst drawdown: MEAR -14.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MEAR and VOO?
MEAR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.02, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MEAR and VOO?
MEAR and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 580 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MEAR or VOO?
MEAR yields 2.84% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MEAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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