SSPY vs VOO
Stratified LargeCap Index 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 | SSPY | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $133M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 507 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +15.79% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.51% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.84% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.57% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Syntax Stratified | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SSPY vs VOO Performance
Stratified LargeCap Index ETF (SSPY) is a ETF from Syntax Stratified and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SSPY returned +21.51% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, SSPY is up 15.79% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, SSPY compounded at +15.84% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.57% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SSPY has the edge at +14.05% annualized vs +13.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SSPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -36.7% for SSPY 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SSPY charges 0.45% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SSPY currently yields 1.22% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SSPY and VOO share 498 holdings out of 511 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SSPY or VOO?
SSPY has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SSPY or VOO?
Over the past year SSPY returned +21.51% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SSPY annualized +14.05% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SSPY or VOO?
SSPY has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SSPY -36.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SSPY and VOO?
SSPY and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 SSPY and VOO?
SSPY and VOO share 498 common holdings with a 43.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 511 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SSPY or VOO?
SSPY yields 1.22% while VOO yields 1.08%, so SSPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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