SUSA vs VOO
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SUSA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SUSA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 198 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.01% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.61% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.53% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.84% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 24, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SUSA vs VOO Performance
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA ETF (SUSA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SUSA returned +21.61% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, SUSA is up 13.01% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, SUSA compounded at +20.53% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.84% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +9.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SUSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -54.9% for SUSA 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SUSA charges 0.25% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SUSA currently yields 0.85% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SUSA and VOO share 173 holdings out of 527 unique holdings combined, representing a 58.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SUSA or VOO?
SUSA has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SUSA or VOO?
Over the past year SUSA returned +21.61% vs +20.92% for VOO, so SUSA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SUSA annualized +9.24% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SUSA or VOO?
SUSA has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SUSA -54.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SUSA and VOO?
SUSA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 SUSA and VOO?
SUSA and VOO share 173 common holdings with a 58.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 527 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SUSA or VOO?
SUSA yields 0.85% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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