STAX vs VOO
Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | STAX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.17% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.02% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.19% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
STAX vs VOO Performance
Nomura Tax-Free USA Short Term ETF (STAX) is a ETF from Nomura Asset Management Co Ltd and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STAX returned +2.19% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, STAX is up 1.02% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 1.7% for STAX. 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 -1.4% for STAX 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STAX charges 0.29% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STAX currently yields 3.17% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
STAX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 518 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, STAX or VOO?
STAX has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STAX or VOO?
Over the past year STAX returned +2.19% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), STAX annualized +3.32% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STAX or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 1.7% for STAX. Worst drawdown: STAX -1.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both STAX and VOO?
STAX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between STAX and VOO?
STAX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STAX or VOO?
STAX yields 3.17% while VOO yields 1.09%, so STAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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