UAE vs VOO
iShares MSCI UAE 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 | UAE | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $314M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.43% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +5.30% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.99% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.95% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.42% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
UAE vs VOO Performance
iShares MSCI UAE ETF (UAE) 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 UAE returned +2.99% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, UAE is up 5.30% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, UAE compounded at +13.95% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.42% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs -0.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UAE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -68.3% for UAE 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UAE charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UAE currently yields 4.43% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
UAE and VOO share 0 holdings out of 562 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, UAE or VOO?
UAE has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, UAE or VOO?
Over the past year UAE returned +2.99% vs +21.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), UAE annualized -0.30% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UAE or VOO?
UAE has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: UAE -68.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both UAE and VOO?
UAE and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UAE and VOO?
UAE and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UAE or VOO?
UAE yields 4.43% while VOO yields 1.08%, so UAE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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