ISRA vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ISRA (VanEck Israel ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISRA is a Global Equities fund tracking the BlueStar Israel Global Index, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ISRA returned 10.44%/yr vs 15.61%/yr for VOO. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ISRA charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

ISRA vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) 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, ISRA achieves a 6.18% return, which is significantly lower than VOO's 8.19% return. Over the past 10 years, ISRA has underperformed VOO with an annualized return of 10.44%, while VOO has yielded a comparatively higher 15.61% annualized return.

ISRA

• 1D: -1.08%
• 1M: -9.56%
• YTD: 6.18%
• 6M: 3.67%
• 1Y: 27.64%
• 3Y*: 24.33%
• 5Y*: 6.87%
• 10Y*: 10.44%

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)

ISRA vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ISRA VanEck Israel ETF	6.18%	36.98%	26.03%	-0.08%	-25.76%	10.06%	28.21%	26.77%	-7.04%	15.07%
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 ISRA and VOO is 0.63, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.63
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.67
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.72
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 26, 2013	0.71

The correlation between ISRA and VOO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.63 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

ISRA vs. VOO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISRA	VOO
Financial Services	37.0%	10.9%
Technology	23.4%	39.1%
Healthcare	11.3%	8.3%
Industrials	10.4%	7.6%
Utilities	5.7%	2.5%
Real Estate	4.7%	1.8%
Energy	1.9%	3.2%
Consumer Cyclical	1.9%	9.8%
Communication Services	1.9%	10.5%
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	4.5%
Basic Materials	0.3%	1.7%

Return for Risk

ISRA vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISRA

ISRA Risk / Return Rank: 43
ISRA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
ISRA Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
ISRA Omega Ratio Rank: 35
ISRA Calmar Ratio Rank: 53
ISRA Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

ISRA vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) 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.

	ISRA	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.91	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.90	2.60	-0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.35	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.46	2.67	-0.22
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.12	11.96	-3.84

ISRA vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISRA Sharpe Ratio is 1.31, which is lower than the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 1.91. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISRA 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

ISRA vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISRA drawdown since its inception was -45.02%, which is greater than VOO's maximum drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISRA and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISRA	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.02%	-33.99%	-11.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.30%	-8.90%	-2.40%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-27.74%	-18.69%	-9.05%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.02%	-24.52%	-20.50%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.02%	-33.99%	-11.03%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.30%	-3.14%	-8.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.17%	-3.68%	-7.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.41%	1.99%	+1.42%

Volatility

ISRA vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) has a higher volatility of 8.21% compared to Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) at 4.83%. This indicates that ISRA'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

	ISRA	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.21%	4.83%	+3.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.31%	9.82%	+6.49%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.23%	12.46%	+8.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.10%	16.91%	+5.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.02%	18.02%	+3.00%

ISRA vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISRA has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISRA vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

ISRA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.39%, more than VOO's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ISRA VanEck Israel ETF	1.39%	1.48%	1.21%	1.89%	1.36%	1.28%	0.17%	1.38%	0.76%	1.58%	1.62%	1.31%
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 ISRA and VOO in my portfolio?

ISRA and VOO have a correlation of 0.63, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISRA or VOO?

ISRA has higher volatility (8.21%) compared to VOO (4.83%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISRA dropped -45.02% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which ETF is better, ISRA or VOO?

On 10-year performance, VOO leads with 15.61% vs 10.44% for ISRA. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VOO has been the lower-risk option at 4.83%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISRA or VOO?

Over the 10-year period, VOO has performed better with a 15.61% return vs 10.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISRA or VOO?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for ISRA.

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

ISRA has the higher dividend yield at 1.39%, compared with 1.05% for VOO.

What is the main difference between ISRA and VOO?

ISRA is categorized as Global Equities, while VOO is S&P 500. ISRA tracks BlueStar Israel Global Index, while VOO tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for ISRA and 0.03% for VOO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.91 vs 1.31), 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.