TUG vs VOO
STF Tactical Growth ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. TUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TUG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.63% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.84% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Gateway Credit Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 18, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
TUG vs VOO Performance
STF Tactical Growth ETF (TUG) is a ETF from Gateway Credit Partners and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TUG returned +25.84% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, TUG is up 18.63% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, TUG compounded at +21.98% per year against +21.55% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, TUG has the edge at +18.52% annualized vs +13.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -22.3% for TUG 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TUG charges 0.65% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TUG currently yields 1.91% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
TUG and VOO share 88 holdings out of 518 unique holdings combined, representing a 53.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TUG or VOO?
TUG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TUG or VOO?
Over the past year TUG returned +25.84% vs +21.63% for VOO, so TUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), TUG annualized +18.52% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TUG or VOO?
TUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: TUG -22.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both TUG and VOO?
TUG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TUG and VOO?
TUG and VOO share 88 common holdings with a 53.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 518 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TUG or VOO?
TUG yields 1.91% while VOO yields 1.09%, so TUG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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