EDOW vs VOO
First Trust Dow 30 Equal Weight 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 | EDOW | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $311M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.49% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.18% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.57% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.99% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 8, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EDOW vs VOO Performance
First Trust Dow 30 Equal Weight ETF (EDOW) 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 EDOW returned +21.18% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, EDOW is up 12.49% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, EDOW compounded at +16.57% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.99% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +10.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDOW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -33.7% for EDOW 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDOW charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDOW currently yields 1.22% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EDOW and VOO share 30 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EDOW or VOO?
EDOW has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EDOW or VOO?
Over the past year EDOW returned +21.18% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), EDOW annualized +10.98% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EDOW or VOO?
EDOW has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EDOW -33.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EDOW and VOO?
EDOW and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 EDOW and VOO?
EDOW and VOO share 30 common holdings with a 27.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDOW or VOO?
EDOW yields 1.22% while VOO yields 1.09%, so EDOW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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