SMMD vs VOO
iShares Russell 2500 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SMMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SMMD offers more diversification with 520 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMMD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 520 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +21.19% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.96% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.10% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.10% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMMD vs VOO Performance
iShares Russell 2500 ETF (SMMD) 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 SMMD returned +30.96% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, SMMD is up 21.19% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, SMMD compounded at +19.10% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.10% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +10.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -41.1% for SMMD 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMMD charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMMD currently yields 1.07% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SMMD and VOO share 4 holdings out of 540 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMMD or VOO?
SMMD has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMMD or VOO?
Over the past year SMMD returned +30.96% vs +20.69% for VOO, so SMMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SMMD annualized +10.53% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMMD or VOO?
SMMD has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SMMD -41.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMMD and VOO?
SMMD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 SMMD and VOO?
SMMD and VOO share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 540 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMMD or VOO?
SMMD yields 1.07% 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.