HAWX vs VOO
HAWX vs VOO
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex US ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. HAWX delivered stronger 1-year returns. HAWX offers more diversification with 1379 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HAWX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $346M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.38% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,085 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.35% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.25% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.41% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.15% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 29, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HAWX vs VOO Performance
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (HAWX) 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 HAWX returned +32.25% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, HAWX is up 16.35% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, HAWX compounded at +21.41% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.15% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +8.53%. 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 12.4% for HAWX. 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 -30.6% for HAWX 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HAWX charges 0.35% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HAWX currently yields 2.38% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HAWX and VOO share 1 holdings out of 1883 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HAWX | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.06% | 0.49% | 0.43% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HAWX or VOO?
HAWX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HAWX or VOO?
Over the past year HAWX returned +32.25% vs +23.71% for VOO, so HAWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), HAWX annualized +8.53% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HAWX or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.4% for HAWX. Worst drawdown: HAWX -30.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HAWX and VOO?
HAWX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HAWX and VOO?
HAWX and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1883 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HAWX or VOO?
HAWX yields 2.38% while VOO yields 1.09%, so HAWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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