ECF vs VOO
ECF vs VOO
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. 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 | ECF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.16% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $218M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.63% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 99 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.05% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.45% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.27% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.16% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 1986 | Sep 7, 2010 |
ECF vs VOO Performance
Ellsworth Growth and Income Fund Ltd. (ECF) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ECF returned +20.45% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, ECF is up 8.05% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, ECF compounded at +18.27% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.16% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +8.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -83.1% for ECF 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECF charges 1.16% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $116 vs $3 annually, a gap of $113 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECF currently yields 3.63% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
ECF and VOO share 15 holdings out of 533 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ECF | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 3.09% | 2.77% | 0.32% |
| MSFT | 1.52% | 4.30% | 2.78% |
| AMD | 1.19% | 1.47% | 0.28% |
| EQIX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HPE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MCHP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TMUS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NEE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ECF shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECF or VOO?
ECF has an expense ratio of 1.16% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $113 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECF or VOO?
Over the past year ECF returned +20.45% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ECF annualized +8.27% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECF or VOO?
ECF has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: ECF -83.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both ECF and VOO?
ECF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECF and VOO?
ECF and VOO share 15 common holdings with a 7.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 533 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECF or VOO?
ECF yields 3.63% while VOO yields 1.09%, so ECF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.