NFRA vs VOO
FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index 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 | NFRA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.78% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 217 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +9.90% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.75% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.99% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Flexshares Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 8, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
NFRA vs VOO Performance
FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (NFRA) is a ETF from Flexshares Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NFRA returned +11.75% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, NFRA is up 9.90% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, NFRA compounded at +13.19% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.99% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +5.43%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 12.6% for NFRA. 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 -32.9% for NFRA 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NFRA charges 0.47% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $3 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NFRA currently yields 5.78% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
NFRA and VOO share 35 holdings out of 651 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NFRA or VOO?
NFRA has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NFRA or VOO?
Over the past year NFRA returned +11.75% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), NFRA annualized +5.43% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NFRA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 12.6% for NFRA. Worst drawdown: NFRA -32.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both NFRA and VOO?
NFRA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NFRA and VOO?
NFRA and VOO share 35 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 651 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NFRA or VOO?
NFRA yields 5.78% while VOO yields 1.09%, so NFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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