CATF vs VOO
American Century California Municipal Bond 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 | CATF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $82M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.57% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 304 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.27% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.90% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | American Century Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CATF vs VOO Performance
American Century California Municipal Bond ETF (CATF) is a ETF from American Century Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CATF returned +5.90% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, CATF is up 1.27% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 4.2% for CATF. 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 -5.1% for CATF 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CATF charges 0.25% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CATF currently yields 3.57% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CATF and VOO share 0 holdings out of 589 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CATF or VOO?
CATF has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CATF or VOO?
Over the past year CATF returned +5.90% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CATF annualized +2.69% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CATF or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 4.2% for CATF. Worst drawdown: CATF -5.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CATF and VOO?
CATF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CATF and VOO?
CATF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 589 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CATF or VOO?
CATF yields 3.57% while VOO yields 1.08%, so CATF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.