OUNZ vs VOO
VanEck Merk Gold ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. OUNZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | OUNZ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.43% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.94% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.19% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.39% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 16, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
OUNZ vs VOO Performance
VanEck Merk Gold ETF (OUNZ) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year OUNZ returned +37.94% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, OUNZ is up 6.43% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, OUNZ compounded at +34.19% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +20.39% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +10.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -26.3% for OUNZ 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
OUNZ charges 0.25% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, OUNZ currently yields 0.00% against 1.08% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, OUNZ or VOO?
OUNZ has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, OUNZ or VOO?
Over the past year OUNZ returned +37.94% vs +21.87% for VOO, so OUNZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), OUNZ annualized +10.57% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, OUNZ or VOO?
OUNZ has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: OUNZ -26.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both OUNZ and VOO?
OUNZ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, OUNZ or VOO?
OUNZ yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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