NIKL vs VOO
Sprott Nickel Miners 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 | NIKL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $51M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.11% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -16.13% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.76% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.51% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.4% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NIKL vs VOO Performance
Sprott Nickel Miners ETF (NIKL) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NIKL returned +13.76% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, NIKL is down 16.13% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, NIKL compounded at -3.51% per year against +21.80% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs -3.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NIKL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.4% 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 -59.0% for NIKL 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NIKL charges 0.75% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NIKL currently yields 3.11% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NIKL and VOO share 0 holdings out of 531 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, NIKL or VOO?
NIKL has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NIKL or VOO?
Over the past year NIKL returned +13.76% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NIKL annualized -3.55% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NIKL or VOO?
NIKL has been the more volatile fund at 32.4% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NIKL -59.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NIKL and VOO?
NIKL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NIKL and VOO?
NIKL and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NIKL or VOO?
NIKL yields 3.11% while VOO yields 1.09%, so NIKL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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