AFMC vs VOO
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. AFMC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFMC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.68% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $205M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 266 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.48% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.27% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.15% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.65% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AFMC vs VOO Performance
First Trust Active Factor Mid Cap ETF (AFMC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFMC returned +26.27% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, AFMC is up 18.48% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, AFMC compounded at +20.15% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.65% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +12.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFMC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -42.1% for AFMC 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFMC charges 0.68% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $3 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFMC currently yields 0.70% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AFMC and VOO share 40 holdings out of 727 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFMC or VOO?
AFMC has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFMC or VOO?
Over the past year AFMC returned +26.27% vs +21.62% for VOO, so AFMC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFMC annualized +12.32% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFMC or VOO?
AFMC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: AFMC -42.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AFMC and VOO?
AFMC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFMC and VOO?
AFMC and VOO share 40 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 727 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFMC or VOO?
AFMC yields 0.70% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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