GOF vs VOO
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. GOF offers more diversification with 1,635 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GOF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.44% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 20.95% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 1,635 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -13.70% | +13.49% | |
| 1Y Return | -22.29% | +20.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.61% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.16% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 26, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GOF vs VOO Performance
Guggenheim Strategic Opportunities Fund (GOF) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GOF returned -22.29% while VOO returned +20.64%. Year to date, GOF is down 13.70% versus a gain of 13.49% for VOO.
Over three years, GOF compounded at -0.61% per year against +21.93% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -1.16% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +0.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GOF 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 -62.5% for GOF 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOF charges 2.44% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $244 vs $3 annually, a gap of $241 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GOF currently yields 20.95% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GOF and VOO share 483 holdings out of 867 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GOF or VOO?
GOF has an expense ratio of 2.44% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $241 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GOF or VOO?
Over the past year GOF returned -22.29% vs +20.64% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GOF annualized +0.34% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOF or VOO?
GOF has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GOF -62.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GOF and VOO?
GOF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GOF and VOO?
GOF and VOO share 483 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 867 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOF or VOO?
GOF yields 20.95% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GOF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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