HCOW vs VOO
Amplify COWS Covered Call ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. HCOW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HCOW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $18M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.55% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 86 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +15.56% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.62% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.92% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HCOW vs VOO Performance
Amplify COWS Covered Call ETF (HCOW) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HCOW returned +24.62% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, HCOW is up 15.56% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, HCOW compounded at +12.92% per year against +22.06% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs +12.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HCOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% 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 -24.1% for HCOW 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HCOW charges 0.65% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HCOW currently yields 12.55% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HCOW and VOO share 24 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HCOW or VOO?
HCOW has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HCOW or VOO?
Over the past year HCOW returned +24.62% vs +21.87% for VOO, so HCOW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), HCOW annualized +12.92% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HCOW or VOO?
HCOW has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HCOW -24.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HCOW and VOO?
HCOW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HCOW and VOO?
HCOW and VOO share 24 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HCOW or VOO?
HCOW yields 12.55% while VOO yields 1.08%, so HCOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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