BCV vs VOO
BCV vs VOO
Bancroft Fund Ltd vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. BCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BCV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.11% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $177M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.46% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.84% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.19% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.62% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.25% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 1971 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BCV vs VOO Performance
Bancroft Fund Ltd (BCV) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BCV returned +28.19% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BCV is up 13.84% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, BCV compounded at +19.62% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.25% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +2.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BCV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -99.4% for BCV 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
BCV charges 1.11% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $111 vs $3 annually, a gap of $108 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BCV currently yields 3.46% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BCV and VOO share 4 holdings out of 532 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BCV or VOO?
BCV has an expense ratio of 1.11% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $108 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BCV or VOO?
Over the past year BCV returned +28.19% vs +23.71% for VOO, so BCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BCV annualized +2.63% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BCV or VOO?
BCV has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: BCV -99.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BCV and VOO?
BCV 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 BCV and VOO?
BCV and VOO share 4 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 532 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BCV or VOO?
BCV yields 3.46% while VOO yields 1.09%, so BCV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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