FCG vs VOO
First Trust Natural Gas ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FCG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FCG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $611M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 40 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.28% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.99% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.55% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.25% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FCG vs VOO Performance
First Trust Natural Gas ETF (FCG) 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 FCG returned +27.99% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FCG is up 20.28% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, FCG compounded at +5.55% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +19.25% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -5.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.9% 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 -97.6% for FCG 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCG charges 0.57% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $3 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCG currently yields 2.24% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FCG and VOO share 8 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCG or VOO?
FCG has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCG or VOO?
Over the past year FCG returned +27.99% vs +23.71% for VOO, so FCG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FCG annualized -5.54% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCG or VOO?
FCG has been the more volatile fund at 40.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FCG -97.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FCG and VOO?
FCG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCG and VOO?
FCG and VOO share 8 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCG or VOO?
FCG yields 2.24% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FCG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.