AREA vs VOO
Harbor AlphaEdge Next Generation REITs 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 | AREA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.66% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.88% | +13.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.75% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 3, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AREA vs VOO Performance
Harbor AlphaEdge Next Generation REITs ETF (AREA) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AREA returned +7.75% while VOO returned +21.53%. Year to date, AREA is up 8.88% versus a gain of 13.73% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.0% for AREA. 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 -21.1% for AREA 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AREA 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, AREA currently yields 0.66% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AREA and VOO share 15 holdings out of 528 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AREA or VOO?
AREA 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, AREA or VOO?
Over the past year AREA returned +7.75% vs +21.53% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), AREA annualized +1.50% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AREA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.0% for AREA. Worst drawdown: AREA -21.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AREA and VOO?
AREA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AREA and VOO?
AREA and VOO share 15 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 528 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AREA or VOO?
AREA yields 0.66% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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