HGLB vs VOO
Highland Global Allocation Fund 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HGLB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.67% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $279M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.52% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 69 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -9.23% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.65% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.12% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.50% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | NexPoint | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 1998 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HGLB vs VOO Performance
Highland Global Allocation Fund (HGLB) is a ETF from NexPoint and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HGLB returned +1.65% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, HGLB is down 9.23% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, HGLB compounded at +9.12% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.50% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs -0.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HGLB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.6% 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 -74.1% for HGLB 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HGLB charges 2.67% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $267 vs $3 annually, a gap of $264 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HGLB currently yields 8.52% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HGLB and VOO share 10 holdings out of 547 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HGLB or VOO?
HGLB has an expense ratio of 2.67% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $264 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HGLB or VOO?
Over the past year HGLB returned +1.65% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), HGLB annualized -0.88% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HGLB or VOO?
HGLB has been the more volatile fund at 31.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HGLB -74.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HGLB and VOO?
HGLB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HGLB and VOO?
HGLB and VOO share 10 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 547 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HGLB or VOO?
HGLB yields 8.52% while VOO yields 1.09%, so HGLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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