BRW vs VOO
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. BRW offers more diversification with 1,064 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BRW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.43% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $366M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 13.86% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 1,064 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.35% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.97% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.15% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.24% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Saba Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 1988 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BRW vs VOO Performance
Saba Capital Income & Opportunities Fund (BRW) is a ETF from Saba Capital and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRW returned -8.97% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, BRW is up 2.35% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, BRW compounded at +9.15% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.24% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs -1.09%. 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 14.0% for BRW. 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 -75.3% for BRW 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRW charges 1.43% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $143 vs $3 annually, a gap of $140 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BRW currently yields 13.86% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BRW and VOO share 98 holdings out of 939 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BRW or VOO?
BRW has an expense ratio of 1.43% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $140 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BRW or VOO?
Over the past year BRW returned -8.97% vs +20.69% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BRW annualized -1.09% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRW or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 14.0% for BRW. Worst drawdown: BRW -75.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BRW and VOO?
BRW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRW and VOO?
BRW and VOO share 98 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 939 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRW or VOO?
BRW yields 13.86% while VOO yields 1.08%, so BRW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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