Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. DBE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: DBEMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDBEVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.75%0.03%
AUM$96M$979.0B
Dividend Yield2.59%1.09%
Holdings9509
YTD Return+69.18%+13.80%
1Y Return+63.50%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.99%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+16.22%+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)28.3%14.1%
Max Drawdown-86.7%-34.3%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionJan 5, 2007Sep 7, 2010

DBE vs VOO Performance

Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBE returned +63.50% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, DBE is up 69.18% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, DBE compounded at +11.99% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +16.22% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +1.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DBE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.3% 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 -86.7% for DBE 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DBE charges 0.75% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBE currently yields 2.59% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DBE and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 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, DBE or VOO?

DBE has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DBE or VOO?

Over the past year DBE returned +63.50% vs +23.71% for VOO, so DBE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DBE annualized +1.86% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DBE or VOO?

DBE has been the more volatile fund at 28.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DBE -86.7% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both DBE and VOO?

DBE and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DBE and VOO?

DBE and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DBE or VOO?

DBE yields 2.59% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DBE currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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