SYLD vs VOO
Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SYLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SYLD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +22.29% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.38% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.31% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.57% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SYLD vs VOO Performance
Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SYLD returned +28.38% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, SYLD is up 22.29% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, SYLD compounded at +13.31% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.57% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +12.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SYLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -45.4% for SYLD 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SYLD 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, SYLD currently yields 1.75% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SYLD and VOO share 39 holdings out of 565 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SYLD or VOO?
SYLD 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, SYLD or VOO?
Over the past year SYLD returned +28.38% vs +21.62% for VOO, so SYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SYLD annualized +12.57% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SYLD or VOO?
SYLD has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SYLD -45.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SYLD and VOO?
SYLD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SYLD and VOO?
SYLD and VOO share 39 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 565 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SYLD or VOO?
SYLD yields 1.75% while VOO yields 1.08%, so SYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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