RECS vs VOO
RECS vs VOO
Columbia Research Enhanced Core 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 | RECS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.9B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 368 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +9.77% | +13.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.74% | +22.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.87% | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.59% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
RECS vs VOO Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced Core ETF (RECS) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year RECS returned +19.74% while VOO returned +22.88%. Year to date, RECS is up 9.77% versus a gain of 13.11% for VOO.
Over three years, RECS compounded at +20.87% per year against +21.08% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.59% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.54% annualized vs +3.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RECS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -34.3% for RECS 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RECS charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RECS currently yields 1.05% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
RECS and VOO share 174 holdings out of 691 unique holdings combined, representing a 44.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in RECS | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 9.06% | 7.51% | 1.55% |
| AAPL | 8.40% | 6.59% | 1.81% |
| MSFT | 6.30% | 4.30% | 2.00% |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings RECS shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, RECS or VOO?
RECS has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RECS or VOO?
Over the past year RECS returned +19.74% vs +22.88% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), RECS annualized +3.98% vs +13.54% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RECS or VOO?
RECS has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: RECS -34.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both RECS and VOO?
RECS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 RECS and VOO?
RECS and VOO share 174 common holdings with a 44.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 691 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RECS or VOO?
RECS yields 1.05% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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