FCTR vs VOO
First Trust Lunt US Factor Rotation 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 | FCTR | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $57M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.50% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 163 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +11.78% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.55% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.52% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.47% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 2018 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FCTR vs VOO Performance
First Trust Lunt US Factor Rotation ETF (FCTR) 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 FCTR returned +19.55% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FCTR is up 11.78% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FCTR compounded at +17.52% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +3.47% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +9.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -37.1% for FCTR 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCTR charges 0.65% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCTR currently yields 0.50% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FCTR and VOO share 152 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCTR or VOO?
FCTR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCTR or VOO?
Over the past year FCTR returned +19.55% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), FCTR annualized +9.82% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCTR or VOO?
FCTR has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FCTR -37.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FCTR and VOO?
FCTR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCTR and VOO?
FCTR and VOO share 152 common holdings with a 18.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCTR or VOO?
FCTR yields 0.50% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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