SMDX vs VOO
Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SMDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. SMDX offers more diversification with 557 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMDX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $135M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 557 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +15.72% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.39% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Intech ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMDX vs VOO Performance
Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) is a ETF from Intech ETF and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMDX returned +23.39% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, SMDX is up 15.72% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.7% for SMDX. 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 -14.5% for SMDX 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMDX charges 0.35% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMDX currently yields 0.52% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SMDX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1031 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, SMDX or VOO?
SMDX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMDX or VOO?
Over the past year SMDX returned +23.39% vs +20.92% for VOO, so SMDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMDX annualized +21.81% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMDX or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.7% for SMDX. Worst drawdown: SMDX -14.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMDX and VOO?
SMDX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMDX and VOO?
SMDX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1031 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDX or VOO?
SMDX yields 0.52% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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