HERZ vs VOO
Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc 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 | HERZ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.45% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 29 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -22.67% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.74% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.84% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.21% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.5% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Herzfeld-Cuba | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 20, 1994 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HERZ vs VOO Performance
Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund Inc (HERZ) is a ETF from Herzfeld-Cuba and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HERZ returned -5.74% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, HERZ is down 22.67% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, HERZ compounded at -2.84% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -2.21% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs -0.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HERZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% 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 -84.7% for HERZ 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HERZ charges 3.45% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $345 vs $3 annually, a gap of $342 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
HERZ and VOO share 0 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HERZ or VOO?
HERZ has an expense ratio of 3.45% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $342 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HERZ or VOO?
Over the past year HERZ returned -5.74% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HERZ annualized -0.15% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HERZ or VOO?
HERZ has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HERZ -84.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HERZ and VOO?
HERZ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HERZ and VOO?
HERZ and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
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