UTES vs VOO
Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UTES | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.53% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 19 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -7.52% | +12.13% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.46% | +20.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +20.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.66% | +12.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
UTES vs VOO Performance
Virtus Reaves Utilities ETF (UTES) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UTES returned -4.46% while VOO returned +20.36%. Year to date, UTES is down 7.52% versus a gain of 12.13% for VOO.
Over three years, UTES compounded at +21.44% per year against +20.90% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.66% and +12.59% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.41% annualized vs +11.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UTES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% 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 -35.7% for UTES 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UTES 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, UTES currently yields 1.53% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
UTES and VOO share 16 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UTES or VOO?
UTES 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, UTES or VOO?
Over the past year UTES returned -4.46% vs +20.36% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), UTES annualized +11.44% vs +13.41% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UTES or VOO?
UTES has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: UTES -35.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both UTES and VOO?
UTES and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between UTES and VOO?
UTES and VOO share 16 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, UTES or VOO?
UTES yields 1.53% while VOO yields 1.08%, so UTES currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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