CGW vs VOO
Invesco S&P Global Water Index 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.52% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +3.18% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.35% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.35% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.63% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 14, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CGW vs VOO Performance
Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF (CGW) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CGW returned +2.35% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, CGW is up 3.18% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, CGW compounded at +10.35% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.63% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +7.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CGW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% compared with 14.2% 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 -57.2% for CGW 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
CGW charges 0.58% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGW currently yields 1.52% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CGW and VOO share 5 holdings out of 568 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGW or VOO?
CGW has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGW or VOO?
Over the past year CGW returned +2.35% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CGW annualized +7.24% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGW or VOO?
CGW has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CGW -57.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CGW and VOO?
CGW 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 CGW and VOO?
CGW and VOO share 5 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 568 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGW or VOO?
CGW yields 1.52% while VOO yields 1.09%, so CGW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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