ARLU vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricARLUVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.03%
AUM$54M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings4509
YTD Return+8.35%+13.80%
1Y Return+15.98%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)10.4%14.1%
Max Drawdown-15.4%-34.3%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMar 28, 2024Sep 7, 2010

ARLU vs VOO Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer15 Uncapped Apr ETF (ARLU) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ARLU returned +15.98% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, ARLU is up 8.35% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 10.4% for ARLU. 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 -15.4% for ARLU 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ARLU charges 0.74% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ARLU currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ARLU or VOO?

ARLU has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ARLU or VOO?

Over the past year ARLU returned +15.98% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ARLU annualized +12.32% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ARLU or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.4% for ARLU. Worst drawdown: ARLU -15.4% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both ARLU and VOO?

ARLU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

Which pays a higher dividend, ARLU or VOO?

ARLU yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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