GAST vs VOO
Gabelli Automation ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
GAST has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GAST | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.90% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.10% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.26% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GAST vs VOO Performance
Gabelli Automation ETF (GAST) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GAST returned +13.10% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, GAST is up 19.90% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, GAST compounded at +15.26% per year against +22.09% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +7.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GAST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -23.6% for GAST 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GAST charges 0.00% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GAST currently yields 0.63% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GAST and VOO share 16 holdings out of 538 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GAST or VOO?
GAST has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VOO charges 0.03%. GAST is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GAST or VOO?
Over the past year GAST returned +13.10% vs +20.69% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GAST annualized +7.34% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GAST or VOO?
GAST has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GAST -23.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GAST and VOO?
GAST and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GAST and VOO?
GAST and VOO share 16 common holdings with a 6.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GAST or VOO?
GAST yields 0.63% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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