SPE vs VOO
Special Opportunities Fund Inc 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 | SPE | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 4.89% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $171M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.31% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 158 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -3.40% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.62% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.07% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.14% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Special Opportunities Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 8, 1993 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SPE vs VOO Performance
Special Opportunities Fund Inc (SPE) is a ETF from Special Opportunities Fund and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPE returned -4.62% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, SPE is down 3.40% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, SPE compounded at +15.07% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.14% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +2.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.8% for SPE. 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 -58.5% for SPE 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPE charges 4.89% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $489 vs $3 annually, a gap of $486 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPE currently yields 8.31% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SPE and VOO share 1 holdings out of 608 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SPE | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPL | 3.98% | 0.04% | 3.94% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPE or VOO?
SPE has an expense ratio of 4.89% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $486 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPE or VOO?
Over the past year SPE returned -4.62% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SPE annualized +2.05% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPE or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.8% for SPE. Worst drawdown: SPE -58.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SPE and VOO?
SPE and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPE and VOO?
SPE and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 608 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPE or VOO?
SPE yields 8.31% while VOO yields 1.09%, so SPE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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