GUT vs VOO
Gabelli Utility Trust (The) 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GUT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.06% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $326M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 19.70% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 204 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.75% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.12% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.81% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.49% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gabelli Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 9, 1999 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GUT vs VOO Performance
Gabelli Utility Trust (The) (GUT) is a ETF from Gabelli Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GUT returned +20.12% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, GUT is up 12.75% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, GUT compounded at +8.81% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.49% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +0.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GUT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -57.6% for GUT 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GUT charges 2.06% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $206 vs $3 annually, a gap of $203 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GUT currently yields 19.70% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GUT and VOO share 49 holdings out of 649 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, GUT or VOO?
GUT has an expense ratio of 2.06% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $203 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GUT or VOO?
Over the past year GUT returned +20.12% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), GUT annualized +0.82% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GUT or VOO?
GUT has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: GUT -57.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GUT and VOO?
GUT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GUT and VOO?
GUT and VOO share 49 common holdings with a 4.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 649 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GUT or VOO?
GUT yields 19.70% while VOO yields 1.08%, so GUT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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