AVK vs VOO
Advent Convertible and Income Fund 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 | AVK | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.77% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $623M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.48% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 435 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.03% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.37% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.28% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.96% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2003 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AVK vs VOO Performance
Advent Convertible and Income Fund (AVK) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVK returned +14.37% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, AVK is up 8.03% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, AVK compounded at +16.28% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.96% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs -0.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -72.6% for AVK 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVK charges 2.77% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $277 vs $3 annually, a gap of $274 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVK currently yields 10.48% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AVK and VOO share 19 holdings out of 751 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVK or VOO?
AVK has an expense ratio of 2.77% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $274 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVK or VOO?
Over the past year AVK returned +14.37% vs +21.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), AVK annualized -0.01% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVK or VOO?
AVK has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: AVK -72.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AVK and VOO?
AVK and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVK and VOO?
AVK and VOO share 19 common holdings with a 5.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 751 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVK or VOO?
AVK yields 10.48% while VOO yields 1.08%, so AVK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.