CIF vs VOO
MFS Intermediate High Income 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 | CIF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.05% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $31M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.78% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 360 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -1.12% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.67% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.54% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | MFS Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 21, 1988 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CIF vs VOO Performance
MFS Intermediate High Income Fund (CIF) is a ETF from MFS Investment Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CIF returned +3.67% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, CIF is down 1.12% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, CIF compounded at +10.23% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -3.54% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs -3.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CIF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -87.0% for CIF 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CIF charges 2.05% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $205 vs $3 annually, a gap of $202 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CIF currently yields 9.78% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CIF and VOO share 0 holdings out of 790 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, CIF or VOO?
CIF has an expense ratio of 2.05% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $202 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CIF or VOO?
Over the past year CIF returned +3.67% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), CIF annualized -3.07% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CIF or VOO?
CIF has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CIF -87.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CIF and VOO?
CIF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CIF and VOO?
CIF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CIF or VOO?
CIF yields 9.78% while VOO yields 1.09%, so CIF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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