SWAN vs VOO
Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core 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 | SWAN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $162M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.25% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.63% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.67% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.35% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.08% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 5, 2018 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SWAN vs VOO Performance
Amplify BlackSwan Growth & Treasury Core ETF (SWAN) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SWAN returned +10.67% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, SWAN is up 4.63% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, SWAN compounded at +13.35% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.08% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +5.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 11.8% for SWAN. 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 -31.0% for SWAN 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SWAN 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, SWAN currently yields 3.25% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SWAN and VOO share 0 holdings out of 514 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, SWAN or VOO?
SWAN 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, SWAN or VOO?
Over the past year SWAN returned +10.67% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SWAN annualized +5.98% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SWAN or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 11.8% for SWAN. Worst drawdown: SWAN -31.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SWAN and VOO?
SWAN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SWAN and VOO?
SWAN and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SWAN or VOO?
SWAN yields 3.25% while VOO yields 1.08%, so SWAN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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