SMI vs VOO
HIP Sustainable 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 | SMI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.83% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -3.75% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.39% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.50% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMI vs VOO Performance
HIP Sustainable Muni ETF (SMI) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMI returned -4.39% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, SMI is down 3.75% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, SMI compounded at -0.50% per year against +21.80% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs -3.15%. 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 6.6% for SMI. 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 -14.2% for SMI 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMI charges 0.24% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $3 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMI currently yields 2.83% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMI or VOO?
SMI has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMI or VOO?
Over the past year SMI returned -4.39% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SMI annualized -3.15% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 6.6% for SMI. Worst drawdown: SMI -14.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMI and VOO?
SMI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMI or VOO?
SMI yields 2.83% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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