SMOG vs VOO
VanEck Low Carbon Energy 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 | SMOG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $125M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +5.22% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.44% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.72% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.44% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMOG vs VOO Performance
VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMOG returned +19.44% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, SMOG is up 5.22% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, SMOG compounded at +8.72% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -1.44% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +1.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.5% 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 -84.4% for SMOG 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMOG charges 0.64% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $3 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMOG currently yields 1.56% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SMOG and VOO share 3 holdings out of 558 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMOG or VOO?
SMOG has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMOG or VOO?
Over the past year SMOG returned +19.44% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SMOG annualized +1.65% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMOG or VOO?
SMOG has been the more volatile fund at 28.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SMOG -84.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMOG and VOO?
SMOG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMOG and VOO?
SMOG and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 558 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMOG or VOO?
SMOG yields 1.56% while VOO yields 1.08%, so SMOG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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