SMB vs VOO
VanEck Short Muni 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $312M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.69% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 333 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.86% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.54% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.88% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.84% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 22, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMB vs VOO Performance
VanEck Short Muni ETF (SMB) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMB returned +0.54% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, SMB is down 0.86% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, SMB compounded at +2.88% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.84% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +1.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -29.3% for SMB 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMB charges 0.07% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $3 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMB currently yields 2.69% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SMB and VOO share 0 holdings out of 682 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, SMB or VOO?
SMB has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMB or VOO?
Over the past year SMB returned +0.54% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SMB annualized +1.88% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMB or VOO?
SMB has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SMB -29.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMB and VOO?
SMB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMB and VOO?
SMB and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 682 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMB or VOO?
SMB yields 2.69% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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