CAAA vs VOO
CAAA vs VOO
First Trust AAA CMBS 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 | CAAA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $35M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.29% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.11% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.16% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
CAAA vs VOO Performance
First Trust AAA CMBS ETF (CAAA) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CAAA returned +3.16% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, CAAA is up 1.11% 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 3.0% for CAAA. 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 -2.2% for CAAA 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CAAA charges 0.30% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $3 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CAAA currently yields 5.29% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
CAAA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 553 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, CAAA or VOO?
CAAA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CAAA or VOO?
Over the past year CAAA returned +3.16% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CAAA annualized +5.43% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CAAA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 3.0% for CAAA. Worst drawdown: CAAA -2.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both CAAA and VOO?
CAAA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CAAA and VOO?
CAAA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CAAA or VOO?
CAAA yields 5.29% while VOO yields 1.09%, so CAAA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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