VCOB vs. STRN

Last updated Jul 10, 2026

VCOB (Voya Core Bond ETF) and STRN (SMART Trend ETF) are both Actively Managed funds. Both are actively managed. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VCOB charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for STRN.

Performance

VCOB vs. STRN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Voya Core Bond ETF (VCOB) and SMART Trend ETF (STRN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VCOB achieves a -1.32% return, which is significantly lower than STRN's 26.14% return.

VCOB

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: -0.03%
• 6M: -1.36%
• YTD: -1.32%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

STRN

• 1D: 2.27%
• 1M: 3.03%
• 6M: 21.56%
• YTD: 26.14%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VCOB vs. STRN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VCOB Voya Core Bond ETF	-1.32%	0.35%
STRN SMART Trend ETF	26.14%	8.68%

Correlation

The correlation between VCOB and STRN is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 19, 2025	0.32

Return for Risk

VCOB vs. STRN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Voya Core Bond ETF (VCOB) and SMART Trend ETF (STRN). 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

VCOB vs. STRN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VCOB drawdown since its inception was -3.27%, smaller than the maximum STRN drawdown of -15.43%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCOB and STRN.

Drawdown Indicators

	VCOB	STRN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-3.27%	-15.43%	+12.16%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.64%	-3.67%	+1.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.39%	-2.92%	+1.53%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VCOB	STRN	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.87%	26.65%	-22.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	3.87%	26.65%	-22.78%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.87%	26.65%	-22.78%

VCOB vs. STRN - Expense Ratio Comparison

VCOB has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than STRN's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

VCOB vs. STRN - Dividend Comparison

VCOB's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, more than STRN's 0.15% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
STRN SMART Trend ETF	0.15%	0.18%
VCOB Voya Core Bond ETF	0.50%	0.49%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VCOB and STRN in my portfolio?

VCOB and STRN have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VCOB or STRN?

On fees, VCOB is cheaper at 0.25% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, VCOB or STRN?

VCOB is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for STRN.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VCOB or STRN?

VCOB has the higher dividend yield at 0.50%, compared with 0.15% for STRN.

What is the main difference between VCOB and STRN?

They also come from different issuers: Voya and SmartWay. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for VCOB and 0.59% for STRN.