EFR vs VOO
Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. EFR offers more diversification with 511 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $374M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.72% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 511 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.22% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.76% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.67% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.21% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2003 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EFR vs VOO Performance
Eaton Vance Senior Floating-Rate Trust (EFR) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFR returned -0.76% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, EFR is up 1.22% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, EFR compounded at +5.67% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.21% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs -0.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -66.8% for EFR 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFR charges 5.17% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $517 vs $3 annually, a gap of $514 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFR currently yields 7.72% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EFR and VOO share 0 holdings out of 685 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, EFR or VOO?
EFR has an expense ratio of 5.17% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $514 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFR or VOO?
Over the past year EFR returned -0.76% vs +20.69% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EFR annualized -0.60% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFR or VOO?
EFR has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EFR -66.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EFR and VOO?
EFR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFR and VOO?
EFR and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 685 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFR or VOO?
EFR yields 7.72% while VOO yields 1.08%, so EFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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