DVOL vs VOO
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility ETF 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 | DVOL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $74M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.46% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.11% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.13% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.54% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 5, 2018 | Sep 7, 2010 |
DVOL vs VOO Performance
First Trust Dorsey Wright Momentum & Low Volatility ETF (DVOL) 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 DVOL returned +9.11% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, DVOL is up 7.46% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, DVOL compounded at +14.13% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.54% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +9.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DVOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -38.3% for DVOL 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DVOL charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DVOL currently yields 0.68% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
DVOL and VOO share 34 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DVOL or VOO?
DVOL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DVOL or VOO?
Over the past year DVOL returned +9.11% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DVOL annualized +9.04% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DVOL or VOO?
DVOL has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: DVOL -38.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both DVOL and VOO?
DVOL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DVOL and VOO?
DVOL and VOO share 34 common holdings with a 8.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DVOL or VOO?
DVOL yields 0.68% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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