TOK vs VOO
iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. TOK offers more diversification with 892 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TOK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $247M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,136 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.27% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.55% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.78% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.91% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 10, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
TOK vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI Kokusai ETF (TOK) 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 TOK returned +21.55% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, TOK is up 13.27% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, TOK compounded at +20.78% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.91% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +6.95%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TOK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -56.6% for TOK 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TOK 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, TOK currently yields 1.31% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
TOK and VOO share 388 holdings out of 1009 unique holdings combined, representing a 70.9% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TOK or VOO?
TOK 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, TOK or VOO?
Over the past year TOK returned +21.55% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TOK annualized +6.95% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TOK or VOO?
TOK has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: TOK -56.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both TOK and VOO?
TOK and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 TOK and VOO?
TOK and VOO share 388 common holdings with a 70.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1009 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TOK or VOO?
TOK yields 1.31% while VOO yields 1.09%, so TOK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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