SMOT vs VOO
VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat 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 | SMOT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $328M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 116 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.04% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.97% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.89% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SMOT vs VOO Performance
VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF (SMOT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMOT returned +13.97% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, SMOT is up 13.04% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, SMOT compounded at +11.89% per year against +21.80% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, SMOT has the edge at +13.63% annualized vs +13.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% compared with 14.2% 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 -23.4% for SMOT 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
SMOT charges 0.49% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMOT currently yields 1.28% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SMOT and VOO share 71 holdings out of 544 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMOT or VOO?
SMOT has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMOT or VOO?
Over the past year SMOT returned +13.97% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SMOT annualized +13.63% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMOT or VOO?
SMOT has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SMOT -23.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SMOT and VOO?
SMOT 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 SMOT and VOO?
SMOT and VOO share 71 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMOT or VOO?
SMOT yields 1.28% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SMOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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