PSK vs VOO
State Street SPDR ICE Preferred Securities 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 | PSK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $686M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.13% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 161 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -3.25% | +13.25% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.56% | +19.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.25% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.48% | +12.81% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 16, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PSK vs VOO Performance
State Street SPDR ICE Preferred Securities ETF (PSK) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSK returned -2.56% while VOO returned +19.96%. Year to date, PSK is down 3.25% versus a gain of 13.25% for VOO.
Over three years, PSK compounded at +3.25% per year against +21.27% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -1.48% and +12.81% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.49% annualized vs +0.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 8.9% for PSK. 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 PSK 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSK charges 0.45% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSK currently yields 7.13% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
PSK and VOO share 14 holdings out of 638 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSK or VOO?
PSK has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSK or VOO?
Over the past year PSK returned -2.56% vs +19.96% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PSK annualized +0.20% vs +13.49% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSK or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 8.9% for PSK. Worst drawdown: PSK -34.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PSK and VOO?
PSK and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSK and VOO?
PSK and VOO share 14 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 638 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSK or VOO?
PSK yields 7.13% while VOO yields 1.08%, so PSK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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