BAR vs VOO
BAR vs VOO
Graniteshares Gold Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. BAR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.26% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.59% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.99% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.06% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 23, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BAR vs VOO Performance
Graniteshares Gold Trust (BAR) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAR returned +27.59% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BAR is up 0.26% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, BAR compounded at +30.99% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +20.06% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BAR has the edge at +14.09% annualized vs +13.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -26.3% for BAR 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAR charges 0.17% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAR currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAR or VOO?
BAR has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAR or VOO?
Over the past year BAR returned +27.59% vs +23.71% for VOO, so BAR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BAR annualized +14.09% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAR or VOO?
BAR has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: BAR -26.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BAR and VOO?
BAR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAR or VOO?
BAR yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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