GUG vs VOO
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. GUG offers more diversification with 777 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.22% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $539M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.61% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,262 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.20% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.27% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.07% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Guggenheim Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GUG vs VOO Performance
Guggenheim Active Allocation Fund (GUG) is a ETF from Guggenheim Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GUG returned +8.27% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, GUG is up 6.20% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, GUG compounded at +13.07% per year against +21.55% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +3.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -32.8% for GUG 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUG charges 2.22% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $222 vs $3 annually, a gap of $219 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUG currently yields 8.61% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GUG and VOO share 40 holdings out of 1242 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUG or VOO?
GUG has an expense ratio of 2.22% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $219 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUG or VOO?
Over the past year GUG returned +8.27% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), GUG annualized +3.66% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUG or VOO?
GUG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GUG -32.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GUG and VOO?
GUG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUG and VOO?
GUG and VOO share 40 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1242 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUG or VOO?
GUG yields 8.61% while VOO yields 1.09%, so GUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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