SDG vs VOO
iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SDG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $168M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.69% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 147 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.02% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.46% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.87% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.19% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SDG vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF (SDG) 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 SDG returned +16.46% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, SDG is up 8.02% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, SDG compounded at +6.87% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.19% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +7.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SDG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.4% 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 -30.4% for SDG 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDG charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDG currently yields 1.69% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SDG and VOO share 14 holdings out of 608 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDG or VOO?
SDG has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDG or VOO?
Over the past year SDG returned +16.46% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SDG annualized +7.39% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDG or VOO?
SDG has been the more volatile fund at 14.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SDG -30.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SDG and VOO?
SDG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDG and VOO?
SDG and VOO share 14 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 608 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDG or VOO?
SDG yields 1.69% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SDG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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