HGER vs VOO
Harbor Commodity All Weather Strategy ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. HGER delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HGER | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.01% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +36.57% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.18% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.01% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 9, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HGER vs VOO Performance
Harbor Commodity All Weather Strategy ETF (HGER) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HGER returned +48.18% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, HGER is up 36.57% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, HGER compounded at +21.01% per year against +21.55% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, HGER has the edge at +16.57% annualized vs +13.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.3% for HGER. 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 -23.3% for HGER 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HGER charges 0.68% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $3 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HGER currently yields 6.01% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HGER or VOO?
HGER has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HGER or VOO?
Over the past year HGER returned +48.18% vs +21.63% for VOO, so HGER leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HGER annualized +16.57% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HGER or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.3% for HGER. Worst drawdown: HGER -23.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HGER and VOO?
HGER and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, HGER or VOO?
HGER yields 6.01% while VOO yields 1.09%, so HGER currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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