RFDA vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. RFDA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: RFDAMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRFDAVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.52%0.03%
AUM$89M$979.0B
Dividend Yield1.79%1.09%
Holdings79509
YTD Return+16.12%+13.80%
1Y Return+25.69%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.05%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.07%+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)15.2%14.1%
Max Drawdown-34.8%-34.3%
Fund FamilyALPS AdvisorsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 6, 2016Sep 7, 2010

RFDA vs VOO Performance

ALPS Dynamic US Dividend Advantage ETF (RFDA) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFDA returned +25.69% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, RFDA is up 16.12% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, RFDA compounded at +19.05% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.07% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +12.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

RFDA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -34.8% for RFDA 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RFDA charges 0.52% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $3 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFDA currently yields 1.79% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

22.3%overlap

RFDA and VOO share 61 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in RFDAWeight in VOODifference
NVDA2.60%7.51%4.91%
AAPL2.04%6.59%4.55%
MSFT1.96%4.30%2.34%
JPM:USProProPro
GOOGProProPro
JNJProProPro
UNHProProPro
CProProPro
XOMProProPro
COPProProPro
See all 10 holdings RFDA shares with VOO
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, RFDA or VOO?

RFDA has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RFDA or VOO?

Over the past year RFDA returned +25.69% vs +23.71% for VOO, so RFDA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFDA annualized +12.48% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RFDA or VOO?

RFDA has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: RFDA -34.8% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both RFDA and VOO?

RFDA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between RFDA and VOO?

RFDA and VOO share 61 common holdings with a 22.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RFDA or VOO?

RFDA yields 1.79% while VOO yields 1.09%, so RFDA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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