VOO vs YGLD
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Simplify Gold Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. YGLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | YGLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.53% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $39M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 22.33% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | -2.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +33.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 38.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -43.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Dec 2, 2024 |
VOO vs YGLD Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Simplify Gold Strategy ETF (YGLD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% while YGLD returned +33.71%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.25% versus a loss of 2.95% for YGLD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YGLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 38.1% 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 -34.3% for VOO and -43.4% for YGLD. 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while YGLD charges 0.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $53 annually, a gap of $50 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 22.33% for YGLD.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and YGLD share 0 holdings out of 506 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, VOO or YGLD?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YGLD charges 0.53%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $50 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or YGLD?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% vs +33.71% for YGLD, so YGLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VOO annualized +13.45% vs +42.82% for YGLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or YGLD?
YGLD has been the more volatile fund at 38.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs YGLD -43.4%.
Should I hold both VOO and YGLD?
VOO and YGLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and YGLD?
VOO and YGLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or YGLD?
VOO yields 1.08% while YGLD yields 22.33%, so YGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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