SMCO vs. VO

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SMCO (Hilton Small-Midcap Opportunity ETF) and VO (Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF) are both Mid Cap Blend Equities funds. SMCO is actively managed, while VO is passively managed. Over the past year, SMCO returned 22.05% vs 18.13% for VO. Their correlation of 0.91 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SMCO charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VO.

Performance

SMCO vs. VO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hilton Small-Midcap Opportunity ETF (SMCO) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SMCO achieves a 12.31% return, which is significantly higher than VO's 10.05% return.

SMCO

• 1D: -0.37%
• 1M: 2.03%
• YTD: 12.31%
• 6M: 11.53%
• 1Y: 22.05%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VO

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 3.20%
• YTD: 10.05%
• 6M: 9.73%
• 1Y: 18.13%
• 3Y*: 16.69%
• 5Y*: 7.87%
• 10Y*: 11.55%

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

SMCO vs. VO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SMCO Hilton Small-Midcap Opportunity ETF	12.31%	6.46%	17.78%	7.84%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	10.05%	11.62%	15.31%	7.93%

Correlation

The correlation between SMCO and VO is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 30, 2023	0.91

The correlation between SMCO and VO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.91 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SMCO vs. VO — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMCO

SMCO Risk / Return Rank: 43
SMCO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SMCO Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
SMCO Omega Ratio Rank: 39
SMCO Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
SMCO Martin Ratio Rank: 48

VO

VO Risk / Return Rank: 43
VO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
VO Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
VO Omega Ratio Rank: 38
VO Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
VO Martin Ratio Rank: 50

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.

SMCO vs. VO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hilton Small-Midcap Opportunity ETF (SMCO) and Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO). 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.

	SMCO	VO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.41	1.48	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	2.14	-0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.26	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	2.23	+0.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.82	8.50	-0.67
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SMCO vs. VO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMCO Sharpe Ratio is 1.41, which is comparable to the VO Sharpe Ratio of 1.48. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SMCO and VO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SMCO	VO	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.41	1.48	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.61	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.00	0.50	+0.50

Drawdowns

SMCO vs. VO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMCO drawdown since its inception was -22.71%, smaller than the maximum VO drawdown of -58.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMCO and VO.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMCO	VO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.71%	-58.87%	+36.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.56%	-8.17%	-1.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.02%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.57%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-39.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.37%	-0.45%	+0.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.75%	-7.86%	+4.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.83%	2.14%	+0.69%

Volatility

SMCO vs. VO - Volatility Comparison

Hilton Small-Midcap Opportunity ETF (SMCO) has a higher volatility of 3.92% compared to Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO) at 2.99%. This indicates that SMCO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMCO	VO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.92%	2.99%	+0.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.81%	9.21%	+2.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.76%	12.34%	+3.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.22%	17.59%	+0.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.22%	18.95%	-0.73%

SMCO vs. VO - Expense Ratio Comparison

SMCO has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than VO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

SMCO vs. VO - Dividend Comparison

SMCO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.90%, less than VO's 1.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMCO Hilton Small-Midcap Opportunity ETF	0.90%	1.01%	0.47%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VO Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF	1.36%	1.52%	1.49%	1.52%	1.60%	1.12%	1.45%	1.48%	1.82%	1.35%	1.45%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SMCO and VO in my portfolio?

SMCO and VO have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMCO or VO?

SMCO has higher volatility (3.92%) compared to VO (2.99%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMCO dropped -22.71% vs VO's -58.87%.

Which ETF is better, SMCO or VO?

On 1-year performance, SMCO leads with 22.05% vs 18.13% for VO. On fees, VO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VO has been the lower-risk option at 2.99%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMCO or VO?

Over the 1-year period, SMCO has performed better with a 22.05% return vs 18.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMCO or VO?

VO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for SMCO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SMCO or VO?

VO has the higher dividend yield at 1.36%, compared with 0.90% for SMCO.

What is the main difference between SMCO and VO?

They also come from different issuers: Hilton and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for SMCO and 0.03% for VO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.48 vs 1.41), 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.