SMAX vs VOO
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMAX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $89M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.75% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.71% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.85% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMAX vs VOO Performance
iShares Large Cap Max Buffer Sep ETF (SMAX) 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 SMAX returned +6.85% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, SMAX is up 4.71% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 3.2% for SMAX. 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 -3.9% for SMAX 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMAX 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, SMAX currently yields 0.75% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SMAX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMAX or VOO?
SMAX 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, SMAX or VOO?
Over the past year SMAX returned +6.85% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMAX annualized +6.76% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMAX or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 3.2% for SMAX. Worst drawdown: SMAX -3.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMAX and VOO?
SMAX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SMAX and VOO?
SMAX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMAX or VOO?
SMAX yields 0.75% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO 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.