FCVT vs VOO
First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FCVT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FCVT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $104M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.14% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 137 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.38% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.31% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.59% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2015 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FCVT vs VOO Performance
First Trust SSI Strategic Convertible Securities ETF (FCVT) 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 FCVT returned +31.31% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FCVT is up 19.38% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FCVT compounded at +19.53% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.59% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +9.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FCVT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.4% 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 -32.3% for FCVT 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FCVT charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FCVT currently yields 1.14% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FCVT and VOO share 3 holdings out of 553 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FCVT or VOO?
FCVT has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FCVT or VOO?
Over the past year FCVT returned +31.31% vs +21.79% for VOO, so FCVT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), FCVT annualized +9.90% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FCVT or VOO?
FCVT has been the more volatile fund at 14.4% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FCVT -32.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FCVT and VOO?
FCVT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FCVT and VOO?
FCVT and VOO share 3 common holdings with a 0.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FCVT or VOO?
FCVT yields 1.14% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FCVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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