GABF vs. VOO

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

GABF (Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - GABF is a Financials Equities fund actively managed by Gabelli, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. GABF is actively managed, while VOO is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GABF returned 20.75%/yr vs 21.08%/yr for VOO. A 0.75 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GABF charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

GABF vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, GABF achieves a -2.12% return, which is significantly lower than VOO's 11.31% return.

GABF

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: 1.54%
• 6M: -5.85%
• YTD: -2.12%
• 1Y: -3.89%
• 3Y*: 20.75%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VOO

• 1D: 0.46%
• 1M: 2.04%
• 6M: 9.36%
• YTD: 11.31%
• 1Y: 22.48%
• 3Y*: 21.08%
• 5Y*: 13.22%
• 10Y*: 15.29%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

GABF vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
GABF Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF	-2.12%	3.60%	44.38%	38.92%	-0.04%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	11.31%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-2.70%

Correlation

The correlation between GABF and VOO is 0.62, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.62
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2022	0.75

The correlation between GABF and VOO shifts across timeframes, from 0.62 (1 year) to 0.75 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

GABF vs. VOO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GABF	VOO
Financial Services	85.6%	10.9%
Technology	5.2%	39.2%
Industrials	4.9%	7.4%
Real Estate	4.3%	1.8%
Basic Materials	-	1.8%
Communication Services	-	10.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	4.5%
Energy	-	3.2%
Healthcare	-	8.3%
Utilities	-	2.5%

Return for Risk

GABF vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

GABF

GABF Risk / Return Rank: 6
GABF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
GABF Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
GABF Omega Ratio Rank: 6
GABF Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
GABF Martin Ratio Rank: 6

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 68
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 68
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 74

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

GABF vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	GABF	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.30	1.77	-2.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.29	2.44	-2.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.96	1.32	-0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.30	2.49	-2.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.67	10.85	-11.52

GABF vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GABF Sharpe Ratio is -0.30, which is lower than the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GABF and VOO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

GABF vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GABF drawdown since its inception was -20.86%, smaller than the maximum VOO drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GABF and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	GABF	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.86%	-33.99%	+13.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.16%	-8.90%	-8.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.86%	-18.69%	-2.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-24.52%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-33.99%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.93%	-0.34%	-6.59%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.94%	-3.68%	-1.26%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.76%	2.04%	+5.72%

Volatility

GABF vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF (GABF) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) have volatilities of 4.52% and 4.42%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	GABF	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.52%	4.42%	+0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.42%	9.94%	+3.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.64%	12.48%	+5.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.45%	16.92%	+3.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.45%	17.99%	+2.46%

GABF vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

GABF has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

GABF vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

GABF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.01%, more than VOO's 1.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GABF Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities ETF	2.01%	1.96%	4.19%	4.95%	1.31%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.06%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GABF and VOO in my portfolio?

GABF and VOO have a correlation of 0.62, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GABF or VOO?

GABF has higher volatility (4.52%) compared to VOO (4.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GABF dropped -20.86% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which ETF is better, GABF or VOO?

On 3-year performance, VOO leads with 21.08% vs 20.75% for GABF. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GABF or VOO?

Over the 3-year period, VOO has performed better with a 21.08% return vs 20.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GABF or VOO?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.10% for GABF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, GABF or VOO?

GABF has the higher dividend yield at 2.01%, compared with 1.06% for VOO.

What is the main difference between GABF and VOO?

GABF is categorized as Financials Equities, while VOO is S&P 500. They also come from different issuers: Gabelli and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for GABF and 0.03% for VOO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs -0.30), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.