SWZ vs VOO
Total Return Securities 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SWZ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.62% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $96M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -4.33% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | -2.13% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.05% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.60% | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Total Return Securities Fund | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 1987 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SWZ vs VOO Performance
Total Return Securities Fund (SWZ) is a ETF from Total Return Securities Fund and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SWZ returned -2.13% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, SWZ is down 4.33% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, SWZ compounded at +6.05% per year against +21.80% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.60% and +13.36% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +11.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SWZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.8% compared with 14.2% 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 -57.7% for SWZ 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SWZ charges 1.62% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $162 vs $3 annually, a gap of $159 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SWZ currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SWZ and VOO share 3 holdings out of 526 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SWZ or VOO?
SWZ has an expense ratio of 1.62% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $159 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SWZ or VOO?
Over the past year SWZ returned -2.13% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SWZ annualized +11.60% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SWZ or VOO?
SWZ has been the more volatile fund at 27.8% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SWZ -57.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SWZ and VOO?
SWZ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SWZ and VOO?
SWZ and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 526 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SWZ or VOO?
SWZ yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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