SLQD vs VOO
iShares 0-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. SLQD offers more diversification with 2697 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLQD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.31% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 3,046 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.13% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.05% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.50% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.63% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.3% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 15, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SLQD vs VOO Performance
iShares 0-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (SLQD) 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 SLQD returned +3.05% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, SLQD is up 1.13% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, SLQD compounded at +5.50% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.63% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +1.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 2.3% for SLQD. 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 -12.7% for SLQD 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLQD charges 0.06% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLQD currently yields 4.31% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SLQD and VOO share 1 holdings out of 3201 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SLQD | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDP | 0.04% | 0.07% | 0.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLQD or VOO?
SLQD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLQD or VOO?
Over the past year SLQD returned +3.05% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SLQD annualized +1.37% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLQD or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 2.3% for SLQD. Worst drawdown: SLQD -12.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SLQD and VOO?
SLQD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLQD and VOO?
SLQD and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3201 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLQD or VOO?
SLQD yields 4.31% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SLQD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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