BOXA vs VOO
Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BOXA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.13% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.21% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.41% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 17, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BOXA vs VOO Performance
Alpha Architect Aggregate Bond ETF (BOXA) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BOXA returned +1.41% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BOXA is down 0.21% 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 3.2% for BOXA. 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 -3.2% for BOXA 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 0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOXA charges 0.23% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $3 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOXA currently yields 0.13% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BOXA or VOO?
BOXA has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOXA or VOO?
Over the past year BOXA returned +1.41% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BOXA annualized +3.08% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOXA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 3.2% for BOXA. Worst drawdown: BOXA -3.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BOXA and VOO?
BOXA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOXA or VOO?
BOXA yields 0.13% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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