HOLD vs VOO
Harbor Alpha Layering ETF 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 | HOLD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | - | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +5.05% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.63% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HOLD vs VOO Performance
Harbor Alpha Layering ETF (HOLD) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HOLD returned +14.63% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, HOLD is up 5.05% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HOLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -9.5% for HOLD 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HOLD charges 0.70% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
HOLD and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 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, HOLD or VOO?
HOLD has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HOLD or VOO?
Over the past year HOLD returned +14.63% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HOLD or VOO?
HOLD has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HOLD -9.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HOLD and VOO?
HOLD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HOLD and VOO?
HOLD and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.