MMAX vs VOO
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar 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 | MMAX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $73M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.77% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.12% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.52% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MMAX vs VOO Performance
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Mar ETF (MMAX) 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 MMAX returned +5.52% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, MMAX is up 4.12% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 1.5% for MMAX. 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 -1.9% for MMAX 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MMAX 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, MMAX currently yields 0.77% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MMAX 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, MMAX or VOO?
MMAX 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, MMAX or VOO?
Over the past year MMAX returned +5.52% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MMAX annualized +6.32% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MMAX or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 1.5% for MMAX. Worst drawdown: MMAX -1.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MMAX and VOO?
MMAX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MMAX and VOO?
MMAX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MMAX or VOO?
MMAX yields 0.77% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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