MISL vs VOO
First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. MISL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MISL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $750M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.34% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 39 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.12% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.03% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.44% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MISL vs VOO Performance
First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MISL returned +24.03% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, MISL is up 7.12% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, MISL compounded at +27.44% per year against +21.47% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, MISL has the edge at +25.25% annualized vs +13.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MISL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -17.9% for MISL 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MISL charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MISL currently yields 0.34% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MISL and VOO share 13 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MISL or VOO?
MISL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MISL or VOO?
Over the past year MISL returned +24.03% vs +22.62% for VOO, so MISL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), MISL annualized +25.25% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MISL or VOO?
MISL has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MISL -17.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MISL and VOO?
MISL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MISL and VOO?
MISL and VOO share 13 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MISL or VOO?
MISL yields 0.34% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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