GF vs VOO
New Germany Fund Inc. 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.10% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $207M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.27% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.41% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.04% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.40% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.74% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -85.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | DWS ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 30, 1990 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GF vs VOO Performance
New Germany Fund Inc. (GF) is a ETF from DWS ETF Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GF returned -0.04% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, GF is up 1.41% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, GF compounded at +11.40% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -3.74% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +1.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.8% 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 -85.0% for GF 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GF charges 1.10% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $110 vs $3 annually, a gap of $107 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GF currently yields 2.27% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GF and VOO share 0 holdings out of 556 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, GF or VOO?
GF has an expense ratio of 1.10% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $107 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GF or VOO?
Over the past year GF returned -0.04% vs +20.69% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GF annualized +1.46% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GF or VOO?
GF has been the more volatile fund at 26.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GF -85.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GF and VOO?
GF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GF and VOO?
GF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 556 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GF or VOO?
GF yields 2.27% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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