GCAD vs VOO
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
GCAD has a lower expense ratio. GCAD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GCAD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $48M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +16.81% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.28% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.14% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 3, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GCAD vs VOO Performance
Gabelli Commercial Aerospace and Defense Fund (GCAD) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GCAD returned +33.28% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, GCAD is up 16.81% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, GCAD compounded at +34.14% per year against +22.16% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, GCAD has the edge at +28.45% annualized vs +13.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GCAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -16.1% for GCAD 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GCAD 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, GCAD currently yields 1.75% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GCAD and VOO share 15 holdings out of 541 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GCAD or VOO?
GCAD has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VOO charges 0.03%. GCAD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GCAD or VOO?
Over the past year GCAD returned +33.28% vs +21.62% for VOO, so GCAD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GCAD annualized +28.45% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GCAD or VOO?
GCAD has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GCAD -16.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GCAD and VOO?
GCAD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GCAD and VOO?
GCAD and VOO share 15 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 541 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GCAD or VOO?
GCAD yields 1.75% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GCAD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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