SEA vs VOO
US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $16M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.17% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +37.50% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.24% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.26% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ETF Series Solutions | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SEA vs VOO Performance
US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) is a ETF from ETF Series Solutions and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEA returned +43.24% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, SEA is up 37.50% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, SEA compounded at +22.26% per year against +21.79% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +11.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.8% 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 -39.5% for SEA 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEA charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEA currently yields 5.17% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SEA and VOO share 3 holdings out of 532 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SEA or VOO?
SEA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEA or VOO?
Over the past year SEA returned +43.24% vs +20.92% for VOO, so SEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SEA annualized +11.35% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEA or VOO?
SEA has been the more volatile fund at 24.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SEA -39.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SEA and VOO?
SEA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEA and VOO?
SEA and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEA or VOO?
SEA yields 5.17% while VOO yields 1.08%, so SEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.