ULST vs VOO
State Street Ultra Short Term Bond 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 | ULST | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $527M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.28% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 328 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.46% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.21% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.55% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.48% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 9, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ULST vs VOO Performance
State Street Ultra Short Term Bond ETF (ULST) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ULST returned +3.21% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, ULST is up 1.46% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, ULST compounded at +4.55% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.48% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +1.45%. 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 1.5% for ULST. 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 -6.3% for ULST 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ULST charges 0.20% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $3 annually, a gap of $17 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ULST currently yields 4.28% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ULST and VOO share 0 holdings out of 806 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, ULST or VOO?
ULST has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $17 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ULST or VOO?
Over the past year ULST returned +3.21% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ULST annualized +1.45% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ULST or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 1.5% for ULST. Worst drawdown: ULST -6.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ULST and VOO?
ULST and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ULST and VOO?
ULST and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 806 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ULST or VOO?
ULST yields 4.28% while VOO yields 1.09%, so ULST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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