CALF vs VOO
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. CALF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CALF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.20% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 202 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +25.55% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.47% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.18% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.00% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CALF vs VOO Performance
Pacer US Small Cap Cash Cows ETF (CALF) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CALF returned +36.47% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, CALF is up 25.55% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, CALF compounded at +10.18% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.00% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +10.64%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CALF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -47.6% for CALF 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CALF charges 0.59% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CALF currently yields 1.20% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CALF and VOO share 15 holdings out of 691 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, CALF or VOO?
CALF has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CALF or VOO?
Over the past year CALF returned +36.47% vs +21.63% for VOO, so CALF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), CALF annualized +10.64% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CALF or VOO?
CALF has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CALF -47.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CALF and VOO?
CALF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CALF and VOO?
CALF and VOO share 15 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 691 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CALF or VOO?
CALF yields 1.20% while VOO yields 1.09%, so CALF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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