BWG vs VOO
BWG vs VOO
BrandywineGLOBAL Global Income Opportunities Fund Inc 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 | BWG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.66% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $142M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.05% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 110 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.22% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.61% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.44% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.97% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
BWG vs VOO Performance
BrandywineGLOBAL Global Income Opportunities Fund Inc (BWG) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BWG returned +2.61% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, BWG is down 0.22% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, BWG compounded at +10.44% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.97% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -2.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BWG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -58.8% for BWG 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
BWG charges 2.66% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $266 vs $3 annually, a gap of $263 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BWG currently yields 11.05% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
BWG and VOO share 0 holdings out of 574 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BWG or VOO?
BWG has an expense ratio of 2.66% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $263 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BWG or VOO?
Over the past year BWG returned +2.61% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), BWG annualized -2.29% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BWG or VOO?
BWG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: BWG -58.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both BWG and VOO?
BWG 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 BWG and VOO?
BWG and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 574 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BWG or VOO?
BWG yields 11.05% while VOO yields 1.09%, so BWG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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