DEFR vs VOO
Aptus Deferred Income 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 | DEFR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $142M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.23% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.21% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Aptus Capital Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DEFR vs VOO Performance
Aptus Deferred Income ETF (DEFR) is a ETF from Aptus Capital Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEFR returned +3.21% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, DEFR is down 0.23% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 4.3% for DEFR. 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 -3.9% for DEFR 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEFR charges 0.79% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $3 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEFR currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DEFR 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, DEFR or VOO?
DEFR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEFR or VOO?
Over the past year DEFR returned +3.21% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DEFR annualized +5.28% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEFR or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 4.3% for DEFR. Worst drawdown: DEFR -3.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DEFR and VOO?
DEFR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DEFR and VOO?
DEFR and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEFR or VOO?
DEFR yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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