TRFM vs VOO
AAM Transformers ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. TRFM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TRFM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $244M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.13% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 246 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +26.32% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.70% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.59% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
TRFM vs VOO Performance
AAM Transformers ETF (TRFM) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TRFM returned +40.70% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, TRFM is up 26.32% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, TRFM compounded at +29.59% per year against +21.47% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, TRFM has the edge at +26.38% annualized vs +13.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TRFM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% 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 -28.4% for TRFM 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TRFM charges 0.49% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TRFM currently yields 0.13% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
TRFM and VOO share 76 holdings out of 674 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TRFM or VOO?
TRFM has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TRFM or VOO?
Over the past year TRFM returned +40.70% vs +22.62% for VOO, so TRFM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), TRFM annualized +26.38% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TRFM or VOO?
TRFM has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: TRFM -28.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both TRFM and VOO?
TRFM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TRFM and VOO?
TRFM and VOO share 76 common holdings with a 21.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 674 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TRFM or VOO?
TRFM yields 0.13% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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