Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. PICK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: PICKMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPICKVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.39%0.03%
AUM$2.2B$979.0B
Dividend Yield2.26%1.09%
Holdings288509
YTD Return+21.54%+13.80%
1Y Return+65.13%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.08%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+11.11%+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)27.2%14.1%
Max Drawdown-80.4%-34.3%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJan 31, 2012Sep 7, 2010

PICK vs VOO Performance

iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) 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 PICK returned +65.13% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PICK is up 21.54% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, PICK compounded at +19.08% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.11% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +5.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PICK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.2% 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 -80.4% for PICK 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PICK charges 0.39% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $3 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PICK currently yields 2.26% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.3%overlap

PICK and VOO share 3 holdings out of 751 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PICKWeight in VOODifference
FCX5.74%0.14%5.60%
NUE3.25%0.08%3.17%
STLD2.05%0.05%2.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PICK or VOO?

PICK has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PICK or VOO?

Over the past year PICK returned +65.13% vs +23.71% for VOO, so PICK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PICK annualized +5.51% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PICK or VOO?

PICK has been the more volatile fund at 27.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PICK -80.4% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both PICK and VOO?

PICK and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PICK and VOO?

PICK and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 751 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PICK or VOO?

PICK yields 2.26% while VOO yields 1.09%, so PICK currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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