Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPDVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.53%0.03%
AUM$104M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.97%1.09%
Holdings14509
YTD Return+10.58%+13.80%
1Y Return+15.55%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+17.45%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.15%+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)14.2%14.1%
Max Drawdown-27.4%-34.3%
Fund FamilySimplify Exchange Traded FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 3, 2020Sep 7, 2010

SPD vs VOO Performance

Simplify US Equity PLUS Downside Convexity ETF (SPD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPD returned +15.55% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, SPD is up 10.58% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, SPD compounded at +17.45% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.15% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +11.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% 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 -27.4% for SPD 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPD charges 0.53% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $53 vs $3 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPD currently yields 0.97% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SPD and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPD or VOO?

SPD has an expense ratio of 0.53% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPD or VOO?

Over the past year SPD returned +15.55% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SPD annualized +11.13% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPD or VOO?

SPD has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SPD -27.4% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both SPD and VOO?

SPD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPD and VOO?

SPD and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPD or VOO?

SPD yields 0.97% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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