SMTH vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

SMTH (ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SMTH is a Intermediate Core-Plus Bond fund actively managed by ALPS, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. SMTH is actively managed, while VOO is passively managed. Over the past year, SMTH returned 4.96% vs 23.69% for VOO. At a 0.24 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SMTH charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

SMTH vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) 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, SMTH achieves a 0.58% return, which is significantly lower than VOO's 8.19% return.

SMTH

• 1D: 0.02%
• 1M: 0.67%
• YTD: 0.58%
• 6M: 0.70%
• 1Y: 4.96%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

SMTH vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SMTH ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF	0.58%	6.86%	2.76%	3.80%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	8.19%	17.82%	24.98%	4.53%

Correlation

The correlation between SMTH and VOO is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 6, 2023	0.24

The correlation between SMTH and VOO shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (all time) to 0.36 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

SMTH vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

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

SMTH

SMTH Risk / Return Rank: 39
SMTH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
SMTH Sortino Ratio Rank: 42
SMTH Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SMTH Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
SMTH Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

SMTH vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) 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.

	SMTH	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.31	1.91	-0.60
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.01	2.60	-0.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.23	1.35	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.82	2.67	-0.86
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.21	11.96	-6.75

SMTH vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SMTH 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 SMTH 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

SMTH vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SMTH drawdown since its inception was -4.11%, smaller than the maximum VOO drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SMTH and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	SMTH	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.11%	-33.99%	+29.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.74%	-8.90%	+6.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.69%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.52%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.99%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.17%	-3.14%	+1.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.06%	-3.68%	+2.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.95%	1.99%	-1.04%

Volatility

SMTH vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) is 1.02%, while Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) has a volatility of 4.83%. This indicates that SMTH experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VOO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SMTH	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.02%	4.83%	-3.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.73%	9.82%	-7.09%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.81%	12.46%	-8.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.57%	16.91%	-12.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.57%	18.02%	-13.45%

SMTH vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SMTH vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

SMTH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.38%, more than VOO's 1.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SMTH ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF	4.38%	4.46%	4.58%	0.24%	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 SMTH and VOO in my portfolio?

SMTH and VOO have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SMTH or VOO?

VOO has higher volatility (4.83%) compared to SMTH (1.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SMTH dropped -4.11% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which ETF is better, SMTH or VOO?

On 1-year performance, VOO leads with 23.69% vs 4.96% for SMTH. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, SMTH has been the lower-risk option at 1.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SMTH or VOO?

Over the 1-year period, VOO has performed better with a 23.69% return vs 4.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SMTH or VOO?

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

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

SMTH has the higher dividend yield at 4.38%, compared with 1.05% for VOO.

What is the main difference between SMTH and VOO?

SMTH is categorized as Intermediate Core-Plus Bond, while VOO is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: ALPS and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for SMTH 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.