EQL vs VOO
ALPS Equal Sector Weight 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 | EQL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.27% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $758M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.76% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.31% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.66% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.96% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.75% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EQL vs VOO Performance
ALPS Equal Sector Weight ETF (EQL) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EQL returned +19.66% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, EQL is up 12.31% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, EQL compounded at +15.96% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.75% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +12.10%. 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 13.6% for EQL. 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 -36.4% for EQL 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQL charges 0.27% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $27 vs $3 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EQL currently yields 1.76% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EQL and VOO share 416 holdings out of 584 unique holdings combined, representing a 61.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQL or VOO?
EQL has an expense ratio of 0.27% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EQL or VOO?
Over the past year EQL returned +19.66% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EQL annualized +12.10% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQL or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.6% for EQL. Worst drawdown: EQL -36.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EQL and VOO?
EQL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EQL and VOO?
EQL and VOO share 416 common holdings with a 61.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 584 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQL or VOO?
EQL yields 1.76% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EQL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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