CHY vs VOO
Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. CHY delivered stronger 1-year returns. CHY offers more diversification with 620 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CHY | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.84% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.17% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 620 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +21.39% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.90% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.18% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.84% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Calamos Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2003 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CHY vs VOO Performance
Calamos Convertible and High Income Fund (CHY) is a ETF from Calamos Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CHY returned +33.90% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, CHY is up 21.39% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, CHY compounded at +17.18% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.84% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +1.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CHY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -66.9% for CHY 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CHY charges 1.84% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $184 vs $3 annually, a gap of $181 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CHY currently yields 8.17% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CHY and VOO share 7 holdings out of 1009 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CHY or VOO?
CHY has an expense ratio of 1.84% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $181 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CHY or VOO?
Over the past year CHY returned +33.90% vs +21.87% for VOO, so CHY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CHY annualized +1.59% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CHY or VOO?
CHY has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CHY -66.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CHY and VOO?
CHY and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CHY and VOO?
CHY and VOO share 7 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1009 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CHY or VOO?
CHY yields 8.17% while VOO yields 1.08%, so CHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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