SMMV vs VOO
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Minimum Volatility Factor 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 | SMMV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $292M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.65% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 369 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +11.02% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.35% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.58% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMMV vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Minimum Volatility Factor ETF (SMMV) 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 SMMV returned +14.35% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, SMMV is up 11.02% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, SMMV compounded at +13.27% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.58% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +8.03%. 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 13.7% for SMMV. 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 -38.8% for SMMV 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMMV charges 0.20% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMMV currently yields 1.65% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SMMV and VOO share 14 holdings out of 841 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMMV or VOO?
SMMV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMMV or VOO?
Over the past year SMMV returned +14.35% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SMMV annualized +8.03% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMMV or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 13.7% for SMMV. Worst drawdown: SMMV -38.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMMV and VOO?
SMMV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMMV and VOO?
SMMV and VOO share 14 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 841 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMMV or VOO?
SMMV yields 1.65% while VOO yields 1.08%, so SMMV 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.