AGQI vs VOO
First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. AGQI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AGQI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $54M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.04% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.25% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.03% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AGQI vs VOO Performance
First Trust Active Global Quality Income ETF (AGQI) 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 AGQI returned +22.03% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, AGQI is up 14.25% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 9.5% for AGQI. 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 -14.1% for AGQI 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AGQI charges 0.85% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGQI currently yields 2.04% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AGQI and VOO share 13 holdings out of 524 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AGQI or VOO?
AGQI has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AGQI or VOO?
Over the past year AGQI returned +22.03% vs +21.63% for VOO, so AGQI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), AGQI annualized +18.38% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AGQI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 9.5% for AGQI. Worst drawdown: AGQI -14.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AGQI and VOO?
AGQI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AGQI and VOO?
AGQI and VOO share 13 common holdings with a 10.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 524 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AGQI or VOO?
AGQI yields 2.04% while VOO yields 1.09%, so AGQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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