DSI vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DSI (iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DSI is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DSI returned 15.68%/yr vs 15.77%/yr for VOO. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DSI charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

DSI vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DSI having a 10.16% return and VOO slightly lower at 9.75%. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with DSI having a 15.68% annualized return and VOO not far ahead at 15.77%.

DSI

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 0.21%
• YTD: 10.16%
• 6M: 9.45%
• 1Y: 28.02%
• 3Y*: 20.99%
• 5Y*: 12.85%
• 10Y*: 15.68%

VOO

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 9.75%
• 6M: 9.30%
• 1Y: 26.77%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.58%
• 10Y*: 15.77%

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

DSI vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	10.16%	18.03%	22.38%	28.51%	-21.71%	31.32%	20.94%	31.15%	-3.90%	20.89%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	9.75%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%

Correlation

The correlation between DSI and VOO is 0.96 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 9, 2010	0.97

The correlation between DSI and VOO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

DSI vs. VOO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DSI	VOO
Technology	43.1%	39.1%
Communication Services	12.8%	10.5%
Financial Services	10.1%	10.9%
Industrials	8.0%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	8.0%	9.8%
Healthcare	7.0%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.0%	4.5%
Real Estate	2.6%	1.8%
Basic Materials	2.2%	1.7%
Energy	1.5%	3.2%
Utilities	0.9%	2.5%

Return for Risk

DSI vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

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

DSI

DSI Risk / Return Rank: 60
DSI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
DSI Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
DSI Omega Ratio Rank: 63
DSI Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
DSI Martin Ratio Rank: 61

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 68
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

DSI vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) 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.

	DSI	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.05	2.17	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	2.93	-0.14
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.39	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	3.02	-0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.51	13.58	-3.07

DSI vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DSI Sharpe Ratio is 2.05, which is comparable to the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DSI 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

DSI vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DSI drawdown since its inception was -54.23%, which is greater than VOO's maximum drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DSI and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	DSI	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.23%	-33.99%	-20.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.05%	-8.90%	-2.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.58%	-18.69%	-1.89%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.36%	-24.52%	-3.84%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.10%	-33.99%	-0.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.01%	-1.74%	-0.27%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.51%	-3.68%	-3.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.67%	1.98%	+0.69%

Volatility

DSI vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF (DSI) has a higher volatility of 5.37% compared to Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) at 4.60%. This indicates that DSI'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

	DSI	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.37%	4.60%	+0.77%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.99%	9.73%	+1.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.72%	12.39%	+1.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.03%	16.90%	+1.13%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.77%	18.05%	+0.72%

DSI vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

DSI has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DSI vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

DSI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.87%, less than VOO's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DSI iShares MSCI KLD 400 Social ETF	0.87%	0.92%	1.03%	1.19%	1.39%	0.99%	1.22%	1.40%	1.63%	1.28%	1.51%	1.46%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.04%	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 DSI and VOO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DSI and VOO move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DSI or VOO?

DSI has higher volatility (5.37%) compared to VOO (4.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DSI dropped -54.23% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which ETF is better, DSI or VOO?

On 10-year performance, VOO leads with 15.77% vs 15.68% for DSI. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VOO has been the lower-risk option at 4.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DSI or VOO?

Over the 10-year period, VOO has performed better with a 15.77% return vs 15.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DSI or VOO?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DSI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DSI or VOO?

VOO has the higher dividend yield at 1.04%, compared with 0.87% for DSI.

What is the main difference between DSI and VOO?

DSI is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while VOO is S&P 500. DSI tracks MSCI KLD 400 Social Index, while VOO tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for DSI and 0.03% for VOO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 2.05), 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.