GLU vs VOO
The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust 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 | GLU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $145M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.26% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 272 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.53% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.97% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.73% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.81% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2004 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GLU vs VOO Performance
The Gabelli Global Utility & Income Trust (GLU) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GLU returned +13.97% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, GLU is up 1.53% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, GLU compounded at +18.73% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.81% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +1.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -64.9% for GLU 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLU charges 1.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $3 annually, a gap of $137 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLU currently yields 6.26% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GLU and VOO share 60 holdings out of 702 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GLU or VOO?
GLU has an expense ratio of 1.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $137 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLU or VOO?
Over the past year GLU returned +13.97% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GLU annualized +1.55% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLU or VOO?
GLU has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GLU -64.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GLU and VOO?
GLU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GLU and VOO?
GLU and VOO share 60 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 702 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLU or VOO?
GLU yields 6.26% while VOO yields 1.09%, so GLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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