AGD vs VOO
Abrdn Global Dynamic Dividend Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. AGD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.35% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $326M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.71% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.65% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.32% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.33% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.38% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 26, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AGD vs VOO Performance
Abrdn Global Dynamic Dividend Fund (AGD) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AGD returned +23.32% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, AGD is up 14.65% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, AGD compounded at +22.33% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.38% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs -3.19%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AGD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.7% 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 -88.3% for AGD 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGD charges 1.35% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $135 vs $3 annually, a gap of $132 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGD currently yields 11.71% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AGD and VOO share 41 holdings out of 550 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGD or VOO?
AGD has an expense ratio of 1.35% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $132 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGD or VOO?
Over the past year AGD returned +23.32% vs +22.62% for VOO, so AGD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AGD annualized -3.19% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGD or VOO?
AGD has been the more volatile fund at 23.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: AGD -88.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AGD and VOO?
AGD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGD and VOO?
AGD and VOO share 41 common holdings with a 20.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 550 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGD or VOO?
AGD yields 11.71% while VOO yields 1.09%, so AGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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