VOO vs ZVOL
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs Volatility Premium Plus 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 | VOO | ZVOL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 1.42% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 74.79% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | -19.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.87% | -11.37% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.06% | -1.98% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.95% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 55.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -64.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Volatility Shares, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Nov 22, 2024 |
VOO vs ZVOL Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Volatility Premium Plus ETF (ZVOL) is a ETF from Volatility Shares, LLC. Over the past year VOO returned +21.87% while ZVOL returned -11.37%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.68% versus a loss of 19.85% for ZVOL.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +22.06% per year against -1.98% for ZVOL. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +5.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.4% 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 -64.5% for ZVOL. 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while ZVOL charges 1.42%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $142 annually, a gap of $139 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.08% against 74.79% for ZVOL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOO or ZVOL?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while ZVOL charges 1.42%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $139 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or ZVOL?
Over the past year VOO returned +21.87% vs -11.37% for ZVOL, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VOO annualized +13.47% vs +5.30% for ZVOL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or ZVOL?
ZVOL has been the more volatile fund at 55.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs ZVOL -64.5%.
Should I hold both VOO and ZVOL?
VOO and ZVOL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or ZVOL?
VOO yields 1.08% while ZVOL yields 74.79%, so ZVOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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