SAEF vs VOO
SAEF vs VOO
Schwab Ariel Opportunities 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 | SAEF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $19M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.33% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -12.00% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -8.20% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.62% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Charles Schwab Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SAEF vs VOO Performance
Schwab Ariel Opportunities ETF (SAEF) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SAEF returned -8.20% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, SAEF is down 12.00% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, SAEF compounded at +2.62% per year against +21.50% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -0.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.6% 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 -28.1% for SAEF 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAEF charges 0.59% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAEF currently yields 0.33% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SAEF and VOO share 20 holdings out of 543 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SAEF | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCLH | 4.06% | 0.02% | 4.04% |
| NTRS | 2.75% | 0.05% | 2.70% |
| KKR | 2.13% | 0.10% | 2.03% |
| CRL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FISV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GNRC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KEYS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ZBRA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FICO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CBRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SAEF shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAEF or VOO?
SAEF has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAEF or VOO?
Over the past year SAEF returned -8.20% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SAEF annualized -0.25% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAEF or VOO?
SAEF has been the more volatile fund at 24.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SAEF -28.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SAEF and VOO?
SAEF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SAEF and VOO?
SAEF and VOO share 20 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 543 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAEF or VOO?
SAEF yields 0.33% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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