NFJ vs VOO
Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. NFJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NFJ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.46% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 182 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +25.54% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.61% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.68% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.92% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NFJ vs VOO Performance
Virtus Dividend, Interest & Premium Strategy Fund (NFJ) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NFJ returned +35.61% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, NFJ is up 25.54% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, NFJ compounded at +17.68% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.92% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs -0.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NFJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -70.3% for NFJ 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFJ charges 0.96% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $3 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFJ currently yields 7.46% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NFJ and VOO share 63 holdings out of 595 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFJ or VOO?
NFJ has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFJ or VOO?
Over the past year NFJ returned +35.61% vs +22.62% for VOO, so NFJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), NFJ annualized -0.11% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFJ or VOO?
NFJ has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: NFJ -70.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NFJ and VOO?
NFJ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFJ and VOO?
NFJ and VOO share 63 common holdings with a 20.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 595 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFJ or VOO?
NFJ yields 7.46% while VOO yields 1.09%, so NFJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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