RAYJ vs VOO
Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. RAYJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RAYJ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.72% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $24M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.76% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.69% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Rayliant Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 4, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
RAYJ vs VOO Performance
Rayliant SMDAM Japan Equity ETF (RAYJ) is a ETF from Rayliant Asset Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RAYJ returned +23.69% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, RAYJ is up 15.34% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RAYJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -16.6% for RAYJ 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RAYJ charges 0.72% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $72 vs $3 annually, a gap of $69 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RAYJ currently yields 4.76% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
RAYJ and VOO share 0 holdings out of 537 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, RAYJ or VOO?
RAYJ has an expense ratio of 0.72% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $69 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RAYJ or VOO?
Over the past year RAYJ returned +23.69% vs +21.62% for VOO, so RAYJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RAYJ annualized +20.92% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RAYJ or VOO?
RAYJ has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: RAYJ -16.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both RAYJ and VOO?
RAYJ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RAYJ and VOO?
RAYJ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 537 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RAYJ or VOO?
RAYJ yields 4.76% while VOO yields 1.08%, so RAYJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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