MSSM vs VOO
MSSM vs VOO
Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. MSSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. MSSM offers more diversification with 1404 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSSM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $714M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.60% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2,229 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.03% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.55% | +24.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Morgan Stanley | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MSSM vs VOO Performance
Morgan Stanley Pathway Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (MSSM) is a ETF from Morgan Stanley and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSSM returned +32.55% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, MSSM is up 19.03% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -24.2% for MSSM 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSSM charges 0.62% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $3 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSSM currently yields 2.60% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MSSM and VOO share 65 holdings out of 1844 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MSSM | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SNDK | 1.24% | 0.52% | 0.72% |
| FIX | 1.38% | 0.11% | 1.27% |
| CIEN | 0.95% | 0.11% | 0.84% |
| COHR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FFIV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LITE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HBAN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CHRW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FLEX:SI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MSSM shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MSSM or VOO?
MSSM has an expense ratio of 0.62% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSSM or VOO?
Over the past year MSSM returned +32.55% vs +24.01% for VOO, so MSSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MSSM annualized +15.29% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSSM or VOO?
MSSM has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MSSM -24.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MSSM and VOO?
MSSM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSSM and VOO?
MSSM and VOO share 65 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1844 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSSM or VOO?
MSSM yields 2.60% while VOO yields 1.09%, so MSSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.