FCA vs VOO
First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FCA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -6.10% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.90% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.32% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.41% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FCA vs VOO Performance
First Trust China AlphaDEX Fund (FCA) 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 FCA returned +3.90% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FCA is down 6.10% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FCA compounded at +16.32% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.41% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +0.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.2% compared with 14.2% 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 -47.6% for FCA 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCA charges 0.80% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCA currently yields 2.86% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FCA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 555 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, FCA or VOO?
FCA has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCA or VOO?
Over the past year FCA returned +3.90% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FCA annualized +0.88% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCA or VOO?
FCA has been the more volatile fund at 25.2% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FCA -47.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FCA and VOO?
FCA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCA and VOO?
FCA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 555 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCA or VOO?
FCA yields 2.86% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FCA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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