OVL vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

OVL (Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - OVL is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund actively managed by Liquid Strategies, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. OVL is actively managed, while VOO is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, OVL returned 13.69%/yr vs 13.43%/yr for VOO. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. OVL charges 0.79%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

OVL vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF (OVL) 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, OVL achieves a 10.84% return, which is significantly higher than VOO's 9.08% return.

OVL

• 1D: 0.57%
• 1M: -0.59%
• YTD: 10.84%
• 6M: 11.21%
• 1Y: 28.64%
• 3Y*: 22.52%
• 5Y*: 13.69%
• 10Y*: —

VOO

• 1D: 0.55%
• 1M: -0.07%
• YTD: 9.08%
• 6M: 9.44%
• 1Y: 24.36%
• 3Y*: 20.95%
• 5Y*: 13.43%
• 10Y*: 15.50%

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

OVL vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
OVL Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF	10.84%	17.81%	27.91%	28.01%	-22.18%	32.40%	20.17%	8.73%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	9.08%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	9.04%

Correlation

The correlation between OVL and VOO is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2019	0.97

The correlation between OVL and VOO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

OVL vs. VOO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	OVL	VOO
Technology	35.7%	35.7%
Financial Services	11.6%	11.6%
Communication Services	11.3%	11.3%
Consumer Cyclical	10.2%	10.2%
Healthcare	8.5%	8.5%
Industrials	8.3%	8.3%
Consumer Defensive	4.9%	4.9%
Energy	3.5%	3.5%
Utilities	2.4%	2.4%
Real Estate	1.9%	1.9%
Basic Materials	1.8%	1.8%

Return for Risk

OVL vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

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

OVL

OVL Risk / Return Rank: 73
OVL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
OVL Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
OVL Omega Ratio Rank: 70
OVL Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
OVL Martin Ratio Rank: 82

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 70
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 71
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

OVL vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF (OVL) 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.

	OVL	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.99	1.99	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.65	2.70	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.36	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.29	2.75	+0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.09	12.42	+1.67

OVL vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current OVL Sharpe Ratio is 1.99, which is comparable to the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 1.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of OVL 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

OVL vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum OVL drawdown since its inception was -35.49%, roughly equal to the maximum VOO drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for OVL and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	OVL	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.49%	-33.99%	-1.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.73%	-8.90%	+0.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.73%	-18.69%	-3.04%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.23%	-24.52%	-4.71%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.99%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.01%	-2.34%	-0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.70%	-3.68%	-3.02%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.04%	1.97%	+0.07%

Volatility

OVL vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF (OVL) has a higher volatility of 4.82% compared to Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) at 4.34%. This indicates that OVL'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

	OVL	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.82%	4.34%	+0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.20%	9.58%	+1.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.48%	12.27%	+2.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.86%	16.88%	+2.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.55%	18.03%	+4.52%

OVL vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

OVL has a 0.79% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

OVL vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

OVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.31%, more than VOO's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
OVL Overlay Shares Large Cap Equity ETF	6.31%	2.99%	3.10%	3.33%	3.85%	3.63%	2.43%	0.50%	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 OVL and VOO in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, OVL 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, OVL or VOO?

OVL has higher volatility (4.82%) compared to VOO (4.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, OVL dropped -35.49% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which ETF is better, OVL or VOO?

On 5-year performance, OVL leads with 13.69% vs 13.43% for VOO. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VOO has been the lower-risk option at 4.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, OVL or VOO?

Over the 5-year period, OVL has performed better with a 13.69% return vs 13.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, OVL or VOO?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.79% for OVL.

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

OVL has the higher dividend yield at 6.31%, compared with 1.05% for VOO.

What is the main difference between OVL and VOO?

OVL is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while VOO is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: Liquid Strategies and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.79% for OVL and 0.03% for VOO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.99 vs 1.99), 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.