NSI vs VOO
National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. NSI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NSI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $42M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.39% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.59% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | National Security Index | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NSI vs VOO Performance
National Security Emerging Markets Index ETF (NSI) is a ETF from National Security Index and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NSI returned +27.59% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, NSI is up 10.39% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.0% for NSI. 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 -16.6% for NSI 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NSI 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, NSI currently yields 1.23% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NSI and VOO share 0 holdings out of 604 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, NSI or VOO?
NSI 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, NSI or VOO?
Over the past year NSI returned +27.59% vs +21.62% for VOO, so NSI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), NSI annualized +20.22% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NSI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.0% for NSI. Worst drawdown: NSI -16.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NSI and VOO?
NSI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NSI and VOO?
NSI and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NSI or VOO?
NSI yields 1.23% while VOO yields 1.08%, so NSI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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