RW vs VOO
Rainwater Equity ETF 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 | RW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $18M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.10% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +3.94% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.70% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Rainwater ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 17, 2025 | Sep 7, 2010 |
RW vs VOO Performance
Rainwater Equity ETF (RW) is a ETF from Rainwater ETFs and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RW returned +1.70% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, RW is up 3.94% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 12.8% for RW. 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 -17.0% for RW 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RW charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RW currently yields 0.10% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
RW and VOO share 18 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 25.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RW or VOO?
RW has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RW or VOO?
Over the past year RW returned +1.70% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RW annualized +3.50% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RW or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 12.8% for RW. Worst drawdown: RW -17.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both RW and VOO?
RW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RW and VOO?
RW and VOO share 18 common holdings with a 25.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RW or VOO?
RW yields 0.10% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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