STEW vs VOO
SRH Total Return Fund 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 | STEW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.28% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.44% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.01% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.97% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.42% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Paralel Advisors LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2002 | Sep 7, 2010 |
STEW vs VOO Performance
SRH Total Return Fund (STEW) is a ETF from Paralel Advisors LLC and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STEW returned +12.01% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, STEW is up 6.44% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, STEW compounded at +15.97% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.42% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +3.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -78.2% for STEW 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STEW charges 2.28% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $228 vs $3 annually, a gap of $225 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STEW currently yields 3.12% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
STEW and VOO share 12 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, STEW or VOO?
STEW has an expense ratio of 2.28% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $225 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STEW or VOO?
Over the past year STEW returned +12.01% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), STEW annualized +3.88% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STEW or VOO?
STEW has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: STEW -78.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both STEW and VOO?
STEW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between STEW and VOO?
STEW and VOO share 12 common holdings with a 9.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STEW or VOO?
STEW yields 3.12% while VOO yields 1.09%, so STEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.