FAN vs VOO
First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FAN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $256M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.73% | +12.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.47% | +21.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.44% | +22.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.28% | +12.95% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2008 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FAN vs VOO Performance
First Trust Global Wind Energy ETF (FAN) 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 FAN returned +28.47% while VOO returned +21.87%. Year to date, FAN is up 12.73% versus a gain of 12.68% for VOO.
Over three years, FAN compounded at +16.44% per year against +22.06% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.28% and +12.95% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.47% annualized vs -1.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% 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 -82.1% for FAN 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAN 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, FAN currently yields 0.99% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAN or VOO?
FAN 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, FAN or VOO?
Over the past year FAN returned +28.47% vs +21.87% for VOO, so FAN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FAN annualized -1.05% vs +13.47% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAN or VOO?
FAN has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FAN -82.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FAN and VOO?
FAN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAN and VOO?
FAN and VOO share 2 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 550 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAN or VOO?
FAN yields 0.99% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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