BFOR vs VOO
Barron'S 400 ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. BFOR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BFOR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $233M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +17.22% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.03% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.94% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.05% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BFOR vs VOO Performance
Barron'S 400 ETF (BFOR) is a ETF from ALPS ETF Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BFOR returned +26.03% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, BFOR is up 17.22% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, BFOR compounded at +18.94% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.05% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +11.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BFOR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -42.2% for BFOR 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BFOR charges 0.65% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BFOR currently yields 0.68% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BFOR and VOO share 134 holdings out of 754 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BFOR or VOO?
BFOR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BFOR or VOO?
Over the past year BFOR returned +26.03% vs +23.01% for VOO, so BFOR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BFOR annualized +11.31% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BFOR or VOO?
BFOR has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: BFOR -42.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BFOR and VOO?
BFOR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BFOR and VOO?
BFOR and VOO share 134 common holdings with a 16.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 754 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BFOR or VOO?
BFOR yields 0.68% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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