DSU vs VOO
DSU vs VOO
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. DSU offers more diversification with 898 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.72% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $619M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 12.34% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 1,281 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.52% | +13.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.77% | +22.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.32% | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.43% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 1998 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DSU vs VOO Performance
Blackrock Debt Strategies Fund Inc. (DSU) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DSU returned +0.77% while VOO returned +22.88%. Year to date, DSU is down 0.52% versus a gain of 13.11% for VOO.
Over three years, DSU compounded at +9.32% per year against +21.08% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.43% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.54% annualized vs -2.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -84.1% for DSU 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSU charges 1.72% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $172 vs $3 annually, a gap of $169 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSU currently yields 12.34% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DSU and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1403 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, DSU or VOO?
DSU has an expense ratio of 1.72% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $169 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSU or VOO?
Over the past year DSU returned +0.77% vs +22.88% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DSU annualized -2.24% vs +13.54% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSU or VOO?
DSU has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DSU -84.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DSU and VOO?
DSU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSU and VOO?
DSU and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1403 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSU or VOO?
DSU yields 12.34% while VOO yields 1.09%, so DSU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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