BTAL vs VOO
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BTAL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $294M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.92% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 402 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -14.38% | +13.49% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.57% | +20.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -11.26% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.13% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | AGFiQ | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BTAL vs VOO Performance
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is a ETF from AGFiQ and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTAL returned -24.57% while VOO returned +20.64%. Year to date, BTAL is down 14.38% versus a gain of 13.49% for VOO.
Over three years, BTAL compounded at -11.26% per year against +21.93% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -4.13% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs -3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BTAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -52.7% for BTAL 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 -0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTAL charges 1.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $3 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTAL currently yields 2.92% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BTAL and VOO share 192 holdings out of 712 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BTAL or VOO?
BTAL has an expense ratio of 1.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $137 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTAL or VOO?
Over the past year BTAL returned -24.57% vs +20.64% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.69% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTAL or VOO?
BTAL has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: BTAL -52.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BTAL and VOO?
BTAL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of -0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BTAL and VOO?
BTAL and VOO share 192 common holdings with a 12.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 712 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or VOO?
BTAL yields 2.92% while VOO yields 1.08%, so BTAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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