HIX vs VOO
HIX vs VOO
Western Asset High Income Fund II 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 | HIX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.82% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $363M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 14.27% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 437 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.33% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.90% | +24.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.00% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.71% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 1998 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HIX vs VOO Performance
Western Asset High Income Fund II Inc. (HIX) 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 HIX returned +6.90% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, HIX is up 2.33% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.
Over three years, HIX compounded at +6.00% per year against +21.17% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -0.71% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs -2.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -75.2% for HIX 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HIX charges 3.82% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $382 vs $3 annually, a gap of $379 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HIX currently yields 14.27% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HIX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 793 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, HIX or VOO?
HIX has an expense ratio of 3.82% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $379 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HIX or VOO?
Over the past year HIX returned +6.90% vs +24.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HIX annualized -2.37% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HIX or VOO?
HIX has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HIX -75.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HIX and VOO?
HIX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HIX and VOO?
HIX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 793 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HIX or VOO?
HIX yields 14.27% while VOO yields 1.09%, so HIX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.