PHYS vs VOO
PHYS vs VOO
Sprott Physical Gold Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. PHYS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PHYS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $15.0B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.78% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.04% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.00% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.12% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 25, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PHYS vs VOO Performance
Sprott Physical Gold Trust (PHYS) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PHYS returned +26.04% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PHYS is down 0.78% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, PHYS compounded at +30.00% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +19.12% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +7.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PHYS 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 -48.2% for PHYS 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PHYS charges 0.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PHYS currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PHYS or VOO?
PHYS has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PHYS or VOO?
Over the past year PHYS returned +26.04% vs +23.71% for VOO, so PHYS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PHYS annualized +7.78% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PHYS or VOO?
PHYS has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PHYS -48.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PHYS and VOO?
PHYS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PHYS or VOO?
PHYS yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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