AIRR vs VOO
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. AIRR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIRR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $10.8B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.61% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.04% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.80% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.89% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AIRR vs VOO Performance
First Trust RBA American Industrial Renaissance ETF (AIRR) 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 AIRR returned +29.04% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, AIRR is up 13.61% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, AIRR compounded at +29.80% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +22.89% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, AIRR has the edge at +15.34% annualized vs +13.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIRR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.2% 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 -42.4% for AIRR 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIRR charges 0.69% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIRR currently yields 0.09% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIRR or VOO?
AIRR has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIRR or VOO?
Over the past year AIRR returned +29.04% vs +21.87% for VOO, so AIRR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), AIRR annualized +15.34% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIRR or VOO?
AIRR has been the more volatile fund at 24.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: AIRR -42.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AIRR and VOO?
AIRR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIRR and VOO?
AIRR and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIRR or VOO?
AIRR yields 0.09% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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