TBLU vs VOO
Tortoise Global Water 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 | TBLU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $57M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.44% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +3.39% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.87% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.82% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.91% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Tortoise Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
TBLU vs VOO Performance
Tortoise Global Water Fund (TBLU) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TBLU returned +0.87% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, TBLU is up 3.39% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, TBLU compounded at +10.82% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.91% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +9.28%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TBLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -37.6% for TBLU 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
TBLU charges 0.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TBLU currently yields 3.44% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
TBLU and VOO share 7 holdings out of 559 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TBLU or VOO?
TBLU has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TBLU or VOO?
Over the past year TBLU returned +0.87% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), TBLU annualized +9.28% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TBLU or VOO?
TBLU has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: TBLU -37.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both TBLU and VOO?
TBLU 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 TBLU and VOO?
TBLU and VOO share 7 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TBLU or VOO?
TBLU yields 3.44% while VOO yields 1.09%, so TBLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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