AFOS vs VOO
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. AFOS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFOS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $301M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.23% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +28.94% | +12.63% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.52% | +20.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ARS Investment | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AFOS vs VOO Performance
ARS Focused Opportunities Strategy ETF (AFOS) is a ETF from ARS Investment and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFOS returned +63.52% while VOO returned +20.89%. Year to date, AFOS is up 28.94% versus a gain of 12.63% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -11.8% for AFOS 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFOS charges 0.45% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $3 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFOS currently yields 0.23% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AFOS and VOO share 22 holdings out of 514 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFOS or VOO?
AFOS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFOS or VOO?
Over the past year AFOS returned +63.52% vs +20.89% for VOO, so AFOS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), AFOS annualized +64.23% vs +13.44% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFOS or VOO?
AFOS has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: AFOS -11.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AFOS and VOO?
AFOS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFOS and VOO?
AFOS and VOO share 22 common holdings with a 22.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 514 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFOS or VOO?
AFOS yields 0.23% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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