CGO vs VOO
Calamos Global Total Return Fund 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGO | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $203M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.69% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 714 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.39% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.45% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.55% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.78% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CGO vs VOO Performance
Calamos Global Total Return Fund (CGO) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CGO returned +22.45% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, CGO is up 19.39% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, CGO compounded at +21.55% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.78% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +1.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CGO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -67.0% for CGO 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGO charges 2.30% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $230 vs $3 annually, a gap of $227 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGO currently yields 5.69% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CGO and VOO share 65 holdings out of 933 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGO or VOO?
CGO has an expense ratio of 2.30% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $227 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGO or VOO?
Over the past year CGO returned +22.45% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CGO annualized +1.75% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGO or VOO?
CGO has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CGO -67.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CGO and VOO?
CGO and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CGO and VOO?
CGO and VOO share 65 common holdings with a 18.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 933 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGO or VOO?
CGO yields 5.69% while VOO yields 1.09%, so CGO 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.