SEPT vs VOO

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSEPTVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.03%
AUM$33M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings5509
YTD Return+8.76%+13.72%
1Y Return+14.91%+21.63%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.45%+21.55%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.26%
Volatility (annualized)7.8%14.1%
Max Drawdown-12.8%-34.3%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionAug 31, 2023Sep 7, 2010

SEPT vs VOO Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer10 Sep ETF (SEPT) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEPT returned +14.91% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, SEPT is up 8.76% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.

Over three years, SEPT compounded at +15.45% per year against +21.55% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, SEPT has the edge at +15.45% annualized vs +13.56%. 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 7.8% for SEPT. 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 -12.8% for SEPT 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SEPT charges 0.74% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEPT currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SEPT or VOO?

SEPT has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SEPT or VOO?

Over the past year SEPT returned +14.91% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SEPT annualized +15.45% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SEPT or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.8% for SEPT. Worst drawdown: SEPT -12.8% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both SEPT and VOO?

SEPT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

Which pays a higher dividend, SEPT or VOO?

SEPT yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.