TBUX vs VOO
T Rowe Price Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. TBUX offers more diversification with 618 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TBUX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.43% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 618 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.68% | +12.38% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.43% | +20.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.57% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.05% | +12.84% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | T.Rowe Price | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
TBUX vs VOO Performance
T Rowe Price Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF (TBUX) is a ETF from T.Rowe Price and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TBUX returned +4.43% while VOO returned +20.22%. Year to date, TBUX is up 2.68% versus a gain of 12.38% for VOO.
Over three years, TBUX compounded at +5.57% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.05% and +12.84% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +4.05%. 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 1.1% for TBUX. 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 -1.8% for TBUX 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TBUX charges 0.17% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $3 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TBUX currently yields 4.43% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TBUX or VOO?
TBUX has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TBUX or VOO?
Over the past year TBUX returned +4.43% vs +20.22% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), TBUX annualized +4.05% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TBUX or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 1.1% for TBUX. Worst drawdown: TBUX -1.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both TBUX and VOO?
TBUX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TBUX and VOO?
TBUX and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 810 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TBUX or VOO?
TBUX yields 4.43% while VOO yields 1.08%, so TBUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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