MTUM vs VOO
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. MTUM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MTUM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $25.1B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +25.16% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.10% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.47% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.03% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MTUM vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) 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 MTUM returned +29.10% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, MTUM is up 25.16% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, MTUM compounded at +30.47% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.03% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, MTUM has the edge at +15.18% annualized vs +13.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MTUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% compared with 14.2% 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 -34.1% for MTUM 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MTUM charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MTUM currently yields 0.54% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MTUM and VOO share 107 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MTUM or VOO?
MTUM has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MTUM or VOO?
Over the past year MTUM returned +29.10% vs +22.02% for VOO, so MTUM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), MTUM annualized +15.18% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MTUM or VOO?
MTUM has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MTUM -34.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MTUM and VOO?
MTUM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MTUM and VOO?
MTUM and VOO share 107 common holdings with a 29.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MTUM or VOO?
MTUM yields 0.54% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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