GRX vs VOO
The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness RX 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 | GRX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $226M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.46% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 194 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.39% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.20% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.83% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.40% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GRX vs VOO Performance
The Gabelli Healthcare & Wellness RX Trust (GRX) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GRX returned +18.20% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, GRX is up 6.39% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, GRX compounded at +6.83% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.40% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +3.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GRX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -65.0% for GRX 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GRX charges 3.00% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $300 vs $3 annually, a gap of $297 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GRX currently yields 6.46% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GRX and VOO share 46 holdings out of 634 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GRX or VOO?
GRX has an expense ratio of 3.00% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $297 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GRX or VOO?
Over the past year GRX returned +18.20% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GRX annualized +3.04% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GRX or VOO?
GRX has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GRX -65.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GRX and VOO?
GRX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GRX and VOO?
GRX and VOO share 46 common holdings with a 7.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GRX or VOO?
GRX yields 6.46% while VOO yields 1.09%, so GRX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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