GOAU vs VOO
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. GOAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GOAU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $195M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +4.18% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.68% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +43.51% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.65% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | U.S. Global Investors, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 27, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GOAU vs VOO Performance
US Global GO Gold and Precious Metal Miners ETF (GOAU) is a ETF from U.S. Global Investors, Inc. and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GOAU returned +42.68% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, GOAU is up 4.18% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, GOAU compounded at +43.51% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +20.65% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, GOAU has the edge at +17.02% annualized vs +13.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.0% compared with 14.2% 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 -52.9% for GOAU 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOAU charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GOAU currently yields 1.09% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GOAU and VOO share 0 holdings out of 536 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, GOAU or VOO?
GOAU has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GOAU or VOO?
Over the past year GOAU returned +42.68% vs +21.79% for VOO, so GOAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), GOAU annualized +17.02% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOAU or VOO?
GOAU has been the more volatile fund at 36.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GOAU -52.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GOAU and VOO?
GOAU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOAU and VOO?
GOAU and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 536 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOAU or VOO?
GOAU yields 1.09% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GOAU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.