TPZ vs VOO
Tortoise Essential Energy Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. TPZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TPZ | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $121M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.15% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +3.09% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +58.31% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.77% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -87.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Tortoise Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
TPZ vs VOO Performance
Tortoise Essential Energy Fund (TPZ) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TPZ returned +58.31% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, TPZ is up 3.09% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, TPZ compounded at +23.77% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TPZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.4% 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 -87.9% for TPZ 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TPZ charges 0.85% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TPZ currently yields 3.15% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
TPZ and VOO share 15 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TPZ or VOO?
TPZ has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TPZ or VOO?
Over the past year TPZ returned +58.31% vs +21.62% for VOO, so TPZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), TPZ annualized +8.26% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TPZ or VOO?
TPZ has been the more volatile fund at 24.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: TPZ -87.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both TPZ and VOO?
TPZ and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TPZ and VOO?
TPZ and VOO share 15 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TPZ or VOO?
TPZ yields 3.15% while VOO yields 1.08%, so TPZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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