ACES vs VOO
ALPS Clean Energy ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACES | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $109M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -4.16% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.72% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -8.79% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.98% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 35.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2018 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ACES vs VOO Performance
ALPS Clean Energy ETF (ACES) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, ACES is down 4.16% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, ACES compounded at -8.79% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -13.98% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +3.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ACES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 35.4% compared with 14.1% for VOO. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -79.0% for ACES and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACES charges 0.55% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACES currently yields 1.22% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ACES and VOO share 3 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACES or VOO?
ACES has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACES or VOO?
Over the past year ACES returned +21.72% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ACES annualized +3.76% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACES or VOO?
ACES has been the more volatile fund at 35.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ACES -79.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ACES and VOO?
ACES and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACES and VOO?
ACES and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACES or VOO?
ACES yields 1.22% while VOO yields 1.09%, so ACES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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