AXSM vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AXSM (Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.) is a stock, while VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) is S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Over the past 10 years, AXSM returned 42.31%/yr vs 15.61%/yr for VOO. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent.

Performance

AXSM vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (AXSM) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AXSM achieves a 32.48% return, which is significantly higher than VOO's 8.19% return. Over the past 10 years, AXSM has outperformed VOO with an annualized return of 42.31%, while VOO has yielded a comparatively lower 15.61% annualized return.

AXSM

• 1D: -2.37%
• 1M: 2.54%
• YTD: 32.48%
• 6M: 56.93%
• 1Y: 138.04%
• 3Y*: 40.04%
• 5Y*: 27.97%
• 10Y*: 42.31%

VOO

• 1D: -1.42%
• 1M: -1.34%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 7.24%
• 1Y: 23.69%
• 3Y*: 20.78%
• 5Y*: 13.13%
• 10Y*: 15.61%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AXSM vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
AXSM Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.	32.48%	115.86%	6.31%	3.19%	104.16%	-53.63%	-21.18%	3,565.25%	-49.64%	-17.04%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	8.19%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%

Correlation

The correlation between AXSM and VOO is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.26
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.29
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2015	0.27

Return for Risk

AXSM vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AXSM

AXSM Risk / Return Rank: 96
AXSM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
AXSM Sortino Ratio Rank: 97
AXSM Omega Ratio Rank: 95
AXSM Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
AXSM Martin Ratio Rank: 96

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 59
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 58
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 67

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AXSM vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (AXSM) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AXSM	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.33	1.91	+1.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.71	2.60	+2.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.35	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.51	2.67	+4.83
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	22.08	11.96	+10.12

AXSM vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AXSM Sharpe Ratio is 3.33, which is higher than the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AXSM and VOO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AXSM vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AXSM drawdown since its inception was -86.65%, which is greater than VOO's maximum drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AXSM and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	AXSM	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-86.65%	-33.99%	-52.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-18.50%	-8.90%	-9.60%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-34.83%	-18.69%	-16.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-72.91%	-24.52%	-48.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-81.26%	-33.99%	-47.27%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.17%	-3.14%	-2.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-39.39%	-3.68%	-35.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.28%	1.99%	+4.29%

Volatility

AXSM vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. (AXSM) has a higher volatility of 9.26% compared to Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) at 4.83%. This indicates that AXSM's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AXSM	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.26%	4.83%	+4.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.26%	9.82%	+23.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	41.75%	12.46%	+29.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	70.26%	16.91%	+53.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	90.40%	18.02%	+72.38%

Dividends

AXSM vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

AXSM has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.05%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AXSM Axsome Therapeutics, Inc.	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.05%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AXSM and VOO in my portfolio?

AXSM and VOO have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AXSM or VOO?

AXSM has higher volatility (9.26%) compared to VOO (4.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AXSM dropped -86.65% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AXSM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.33 vs 1.91), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.