VOO vs ZSL
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs ProShares UltraShort Silver
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 | VOO | ZSL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.95% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $64M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | -56.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | -90.52% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | -80.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | -65.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 63.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -100.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | ProShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Dec 1, 2008 |
VOO vs ZSL Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ProShares UltraShort Silver (ZSL) is a ETF from ProShares. Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% while ZSL returned -90.52%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.25% versus a loss of 56.58% for ZSL.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.79% per year against -80.83% for ZSL; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and -65.78% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs -47.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 63.0% 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 -100.0% for ZSL. 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 -0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while ZSL charges 0.95%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $95 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 0.00% for ZSL.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and ZSL 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 ZSL?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZSL charges 0.95%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or ZSL?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% vs -90.52% for ZSL, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VOO annualized +13.45% vs -47.01% for ZSL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or ZSL?
ZSL has been the more volatile fund at 63.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs ZSL -100.0%.
Should I hold both VOO and ZSL?
VOO and ZSL have a monthly-return correlation of -0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and ZSL?
VOO and ZSL share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or ZSL?
VOO yields 1.08% while ZSL yields 0.00%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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