FCEF vs VOO
First Trust Income Opportunities 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FCEF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $83M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.88% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.50% | +13.73% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.15% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.43% | +22.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.21% | +13.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FCEF vs VOO Performance
First Trust Income Opportunities ETF (FCEF) 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 FCEF returned +15.15% while VOO returned +21.53%. Year to date, FCEF is up 10.50% versus a gain of 13.73% for VOO.
Over three years, FCEF compounded at +16.43% per year against +22.60% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.21% and +13.31% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +5.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -45.1% for FCEF 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCEF charges 3.69% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $369 vs $3 annually, a gap of $366 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCEF currently yields 6.88% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FCEF and VOO share 0 holdings out of 565 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, FCEF or VOO?
FCEF has an expense ratio of 3.69% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $366 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCEF or VOO?
Over the past year FCEF returned +15.15% vs +21.53% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FCEF annualized +5.89% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCEF or VOO?
FCEF has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FCEF -45.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FCEF and VOO?
FCEF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 FCEF and VOO?
FCEF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 565 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCEF or VOO?
FCEF yields 6.88% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FCEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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