RFFC vs VOO
ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. RFFC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFFC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.48% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $33M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 58 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.19% | +12.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.95% | +20.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.82% | +20.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.54% | +12.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 6, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
RFFC vs VOO Performance
ALPS Active Equity Opportunity ETF (RFFC) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RFFC returned +23.95% while VOO returned +20.36%. Year to date, RFFC is up 13.19% versus a gain of 12.13% for VOO.
Over three years, RFFC compounded at +20.82% per year against +20.90% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.54% and +12.59% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.41% annualized vs +12.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFFC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -36.5% for RFFC 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFFC charges 0.48% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $48 vs $3 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFFC currently yields 0.63% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
RFFC and VOO share 50 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RFFC or VOO?
RFFC has an expense ratio of 0.48% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFFC or VOO?
Over the past year RFFC returned +23.95% vs +20.36% for VOO, so RFFC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFFC annualized +12.03% vs +13.41% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFFC or VOO?
RFFC has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: RFFC -36.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both RFFC and VOO?
RFFC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 RFFC and VOO?
RFFC and VOO share 50 common holdings with a 39.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFFC or VOO?
RFFC yields 0.63% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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