BRTR vs VOO
iShares Total Return Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. BRTR offers more diversification with 2,915 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRTR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $748M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.75% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 2,915 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.04% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.99% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BRTR vs VOO Performance
iShares Total Return Active ETF (BRTR) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRTR returned +2.99% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, BRTR is down 0.04% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 4.9% for BRTR. 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 -4.7% for BRTR 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRTR charges 0.38% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $3 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRTR currently yields 4.75% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BRTR and VOO share 23 holdings out of 995 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BRTR or VOO?
BRTR has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRTR or VOO?
Over the past year BRTR returned +2.99% vs +21.87% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BRTR annualized +4.73% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRTR or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 4.9% for BRTR. Worst drawdown: BRTR -4.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BRTR and VOO?
BRTR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRTR and VOO?
BRTR and VOO share 23 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 995 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRTR or VOO?
BRTR yields 4.75% while VOO yields 1.08%, so BRTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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