THW vs VOO
Abrdn World Healthcare Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. THW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | THW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $483M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.27% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 123 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.12% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.62% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.92% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.04% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
THW vs VOO Performance
Abrdn World Healthcare Fund (THW) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year THW returned +37.62% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, THW is up 19.12% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, THW compounded at +13.92% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.04% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +2.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -55.6% for THW 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
THW charges 3.00% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $300 vs $3 annually, a gap of $297 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, THW currently yields 10.27% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
THW and VOO share 27 holdings out of 573 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, THW or VOO?
THW has an expense ratio of 3.00% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $297 per year of difference.
Which performed better, THW or VOO?
Over the past year THW returned +37.62% vs +20.69% for VOO, so THW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), THW annualized +2.06% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, THW or VOO?
THW has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: THW -55.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both THW and VOO?
THW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between THW and VOO?
THW and VOO share 27 common holdings with a 6.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, THW or VOO?
THW yields 10.27% while VOO yields 1.08%, so THW 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.