DFNL vs VOO
Davis Select Financial 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFNL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $495M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.29% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.97% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.68% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.01% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.98% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Davis ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFNL vs VOO Performance
Davis Select Financial ETF (DFNL) is a ETF from Davis ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFNL returned +19.68% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, DFNL is up 8.97% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, DFNL compounded at +25.01% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.98% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +12.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFNL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% compared with 14.2% 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 -44.5% for DFNL 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFNL charges 0.61% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $3 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFNL currently yields 1.29% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFNL and VOO share 18 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFNL or VOO?
DFNL has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFNL or VOO?
Over the past year DFNL returned +19.68% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), DFNL annualized +12.58% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFNL or VOO?
DFNL has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DFNL -44.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFNL and VOO?
DFNL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFNL and VOO?
DFNL and VOO share 18 common holdings with a 5.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFNL or VOO?
DFNL yields 1.29% while VOO yields 1.08%, so DFNL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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