BAFE vs VOO
BAFE vs VOO
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAFE | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.54% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.28% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.94% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.25% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Brown Advisory | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 18, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BAFE vs VOO Performance
Brown Advisory Flexible Equity ETF (BAFE) is a ETF from Brown Advisory and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAFE returned +17.25% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BAFE is up 10.94% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 13.8% for BAFE. 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 -18.4% for BAFE 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAFE charges 0.54% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $54 vs $3 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAFE currently yields 0.28% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BAFE and VOO share 34 holdings out of 515 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BAFE | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 3.22% | 7.51% | 4.29% |
| MSFT | 5.04% | 4.30% | 0.74% |
| AAPL | 1.97% | 6.59% | 4.62% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BAFE shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAFE or VOO?
BAFE has an expense ratio of 0.54% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAFE or VOO?
Over the past year BAFE returned +17.25% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BAFE annualized +11.99% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAFE or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.8% for BAFE. Worst drawdown: BAFE -18.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BAFE and VOO?
BAFE and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BAFE and VOO?
BAFE and VOO share 34 common holdings with a 29.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 515 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAFE or VOO?
BAFE yields 0.28% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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