HELX vs VOO
Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. HELX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HELX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $29M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +11.71% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +39.27% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.59% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HELX vs VOO Performance
Franklin Genomic Advancements ETF (HELX) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HELX returned +39.27% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, HELX is up 11.71% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, HELX compounded at +10.04% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -5.59% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +8.63%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HELX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.0% compared with 14.2% 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 -58.8% for HELX 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HELX charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HELX currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HELX and VOO share 1 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HELX | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 0.58% | 0.06% | 0.52% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HELX or VOO?
HELX has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HELX or VOO?
Over the past year HELX returned +39.27% vs +22.02% for VOO, so HELX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HELX annualized +8.63% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HELX or VOO?
HELX has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HELX -58.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HELX and VOO?
HELX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HELX and VOO?
HELX and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HELX or VOO?
HELX yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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