BUSA vs VOO
Brandes US Value ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. BUSA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUSA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $311M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.24% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.24% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Brandes Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BUSA vs VOO Performance
Brandes US Value ETF (BUSA) is a ETF from Brandes Investment Partners and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUSA returned +26.24% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, BUSA is up 13.24% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.2% for BUSA. 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 -14.2% for BUSA 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUSA charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUSA currently yields 1.46% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BUSA and VOO share 46 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUSA or VOO?
BUSA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUSA or VOO?
Over the past year BUSA returned +26.24% vs +22.62% for VOO, so BUSA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BUSA annualized +19.61% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUSA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.2% for BUSA. Worst drawdown: BUSA -14.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BUSA and VOO?
BUSA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUSA and VOO?
BUSA and VOO share 46 common holdings with a 10.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUSA or VOO?
BUSA yields 1.46% while VOO yields 1.09%, so BUSA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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