Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDECWVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.74%0.03%
AUM$226M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings5509
YTD Return+6.68%+13.80%
1Y Return+13.28%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+10.63%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)6.8%14.1%
Max Drawdown-8.8%-34.3%
Fund FamilyAllianzIMVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 30, 2022Sep 7, 2010

DECW vs VOO Performance

AllianzIM US Equity Buffer20 Dec ETF (DECW) is a ETF from AllianzIM and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DECW returned +13.28% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, DECW is up 6.68% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, DECW compounded at +10.63% per year against +21.50% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +10.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 6.8% for DECW. 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 -8.8% for DECW 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DECW charges 0.74% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DECW currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DECW or VOO?

DECW has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DECW or VOO?

Over the past year DECW returned +13.28% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DECW annualized +10.86% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DECW or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.8% for DECW. Worst drawdown: DECW -8.8% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both DECW and VOO?

DECW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

Which pays a higher dividend, DECW or VOO?

DECW yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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