SGOL vs VOO
abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SGOL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SGOL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.82% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.67% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.09% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.09% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SGOL vs VOO Performance
abrdn Physical Gold Shares ETF (SGOL) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SGOL returned +31.67% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, SGOL is up 1.82% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, SGOL compounded at +32.09% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +20.09% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +8.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SGOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -45.5% for SGOL 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 0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SGOL charges 0.17% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SGOL currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SGOL or VOO?
SGOL has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SGOL or VOO?
Over the past year SGOL returned +31.67% vs +21.63% for VOO, so SGOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SGOL annualized +8.92% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SGOL or VOO?
SGOL has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SGOL -45.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SGOL and VOO?
SGOL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SGOL or VOO?
SGOL yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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