GAB vs VOO
Gabelli Equity Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. GAB offers more diversification with 655 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.10% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 682 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.19% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.51% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.96% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.18% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 21, 1986 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GAB vs VOO Performance
Gabelli Equity Trust (GAB) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GAB returned +8.51% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, GAB is down 0.19% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, GAB compounded at +12.96% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.18% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +0.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GAB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -83.0% for GAB 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAB charges 1.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $3 annually, a gap of $147 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAB currently yields 10.10% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GAB and VOO share 198 holdings out of 962 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAB or VOO?
GAB has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $147 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAB or VOO?
Over the past year GAB returned +8.51% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GAB annualized +0.55% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAB or VOO?
GAB has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GAB -83.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GAB and VOO?
GAB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAB and VOO?
GAB and VOO share 198 common holdings with a 19.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 962 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAB or VOO?
GAB yields 10.10% while VOO yields 1.09%, so GAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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