EMLP vs VOO
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. EMLP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMLP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.76% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.63% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.50% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.00% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.92% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
EMLP vs VOO Performance
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) 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 EMLP returned +22.50% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, EMLP is up 18.63% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, EMLP compounded at +22.00% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +16.92% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +7.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMLP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -48.0% for EMLP 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMLP charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMLP currently yields 2.76% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
EMLP and VOO share 31 holdings out of 534 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMLP or VOO?
EMLP has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMLP or VOO?
Over the past year EMLP returned +22.50% vs +20.69% for VOO, so EMLP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), EMLP annualized +7.33% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMLP or VOO?
EMLP has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: EMLP -48.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both EMLP and VOO?
EMLP and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMLP and VOO?
EMLP and VOO share 31 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 534 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMLP or VOO?
EMLP yields 2.76% while VOO yields 1.08%, so EMLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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