AQWA vs VOO
Global X Clean Water 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AQWA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $23M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.37% | +12.38% | |
| 1Y Return | -1.56% | +20.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.19% | +12.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 8, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AQWA vs VOO Performance
Global X Clean Water ETF (AQWA) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AQWA returned -1.56% while VOO returned +20.22%. Year to date, AQWA is up 2.37% versus a gain of 12.38% for VOO.
Over three years, AQWA compounded at +10.24% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.19% and +12.84% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +6.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AQWA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -29.4% for AQWA 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AQWA charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AQWA currently yields 1.56% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AQWA and VOO share 3 holdings out of 538 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AQWA or VOO?
AQWA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AQWA or VOO?
Over the past year AQWA returned -1.56% vs +20.22% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), AQWA annualized +6.01% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AQWA or VOO?
AQWA has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: AQWA -29.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AQWA and VOO?
AQWA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AQWA and VOO?
AQWA and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AQWA or VOO?
AQWA yields 1.56% while VOO yields 1.08%, so AQWA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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