CFA vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCFAVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.03%
AUM$537M$979.0B
Dividend Yield1.23%1.09%
Holdings502509
YTD Return+12.23%+13.53%
1Y Return+16.48%+23.65%
3Y Return (annualized)+13.67%+21.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.43%+13.52%
Volatility (annualized)14.9%14.1%
Max Drawdown-37.9%-34.3%
Fund FamilyVictory Capital Management Inc.Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 1, 2014Sep 7, 2010

CFA vs VOO Performance

VictoryShares US 500 Volatility Weighted ETF (CFA) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CFA returned +16.48% while VOO returned +23.65%. Year to date, CFA is up 12.23% versus a gain of 13.53% for VOO.

Over three years, CFA compounded at +13.67% per year against +21.27% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.43% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +9.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CFA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -37.9% for CFA 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CFA charges 0.35% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $3 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CFA currently yields 1.23% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

40.1%overlap

CFA and VOO share 401 holdings out of 603 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CFAWeight in VOODifference
NVDA0.18%7.51%7.33%
AAPL0.31%6.59%6.28%
MSFT0.23%4.30%4.07%
AMZNProProPro
GOOGLProProPro
AVGOProProPro
MUProProPro
METAProProPro
TSLAProProPro
BRK.BProProPro
See all 10 holdings CFA shares with VOO
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CFA or VOO?

CFA has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CFA or VOO?

Over the past year CFA returned +16.48% vs +23.65% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), CFA annualized +9.93% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CFA or VOO?

CFA has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: CFA -37.9% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both CFA and VOO?

CFA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 CFA and VOO?

CFA and VOO share 401 common holdings with a 40.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 603 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CFA or VOO?

CFA yields 1.23% while VOO yields 1.09%, so CFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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