DFEB vs VOO
DFEB vs VOO
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February 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 | DFEB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $459M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.51% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.50% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.97% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.31% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DFEB vs VOO Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - February (DFEB) 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 DFEB returned +13.50% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, DFEB is up 7.51% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, DFEB compounded at +12.97% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.31% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +8.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 7.4% for DFEB. 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 DFEB 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFEB 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, DFEB currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DFEB and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFEB or VOO?
DFEB 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, DFEB or VOO?
Over the past year DFEB returned +13.50% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DFEB annualized +8.50% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFEB or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.4% for DFEB. Worst drawdown: DFEB -14.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DFEB and VOO?
DFEB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 DFEB and VOO?
DFEB and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFEB or VOO?
DFEB yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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