BOXX vs VOO
Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box 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 | BOXX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 10 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.29% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.06% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.69% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 28, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BOXX vs VOO Performance
Alpha Architect 1-3 Month Box ETF (BOXX) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BOXX returned +4.06% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, BOXX is up 2.29% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, BOXX compounded at +4.69% per year against +21.78% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +4.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 0.3% for BOXX. 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 -0.1% for BOXX 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 -0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BOXX charges 0.19% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $3 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BOXX currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BOXX or VOO?
BOXX has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BOXX or VOO?
Over the past year BOXX returned +4.06% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BOXX annualized +4.70% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BOXX or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 0.3% for BOXX. Worst drawdown: BOXX -0.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BOXX and VOO?
BOXX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BOXX or VOO?
BOXX yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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