AFSC vs VOO
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. AFSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFSC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $11M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.06% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +30.41% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.67% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 31, 1997 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AFSC vs VOO Performance
abrdn Focused US Small Cap Active ETF (AFSC) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFSC returned +36.67% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, AFSC is up 30.41% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% compared with 14.2% 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 -21.7% for AFSC 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFSC charges 0.65% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFSC currently yields 0.06% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AFSC and VOO share 0 holdings out of 549 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFSC or VOO?
AFSC has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFSC or VOO?
Over the past year AFSC returned +36.67% vs +21.79% for VOO, so AFSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AFSC annualized +22.38% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFSC or VOO?
AFSC has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: AFSC -21.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AFSC and VOO?
AFSC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFSC and VOO?
AFSC and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 549 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFSC or VOO?
AFSC yields 0.06% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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