SLX vs VOO
VanEck Steel ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SLX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $159M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.33% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +26.85% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +58.69% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.98% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.03% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 10, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SLX vs VOO Performance
VanEck Steel ETF (SLX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLX returned +58.69% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, SLX is up 26.85% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, SLX compounded at +19.98% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +14.03% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +7.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.8% 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 -82.1% for SLX 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLX charges 0.55% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLX currently yields 1.33% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLX or VOO?
SLX has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLX or VOO?
Over the past year SLX returned +58.69% vs +21.63% for VOO, so SLX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SLX annualized +7.83% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLX or VOO?
SLX has been the more volatile fund at 33.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SLX -82.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SLX and VOO?
SLX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLX and VOO?
SLX and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 542 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLX or VOO?
SLX yields 1.33% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SLX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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