Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDMAYVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.03%
AUM$372M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings5509
YTD Return+5.99%+13.80%
1Y Return+10.72%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.68%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+7.17%+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)7.2%14.1%
Max Drawdown-13.9%-34.3%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 15, 2020Sep 7, 2010

DMAY vs VOO Performance

FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY) 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 DMAY returned +10.72% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, DMAY is up 5.99% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, DMAY compounded at +11.68% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.17% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +7.40%. 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 7.2% for DMAY. 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 -13.9% for DMAY 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

DMAY 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, DMAY currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DMAY 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, DMAY or VOO?

DMAY 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, DMAY or VOO?

Over the past year DMAY returned +10.72% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DMAY annualized +7.40% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DMAY or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.2% for DMAY. Worst drawdown: DMAY -13.9% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both DMAY and VOO?

DMAY 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 DMAY and VOO?

DMAY and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DMAY or VOO?

DMAY yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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