FDD vs VOO
First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FDD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $918M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.03% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.76% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.98% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.83% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.12% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FDD vs VOO Performance
First Trust STOXX European Select Dividend Index Fund (FDD) 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 FDD returned +32.98% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FDD is up 19.76% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FDD compounded at +29.83% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +13.12% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +4.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -46.5% for FDD 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDD charges 0.56% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $3 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDD currently yields 5.03% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FDD and VOO share 0 holdings out of 535 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, FDD or VOO?
FDD has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDD or VOO?
Over the past year FDD returned +32.98% vs +21.79% for VOO, so FDD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FDD annualized +4.31% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDD or VOO?
FDD has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FDD -46.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FDD and VOO?
FDD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDD and VOO?
FDD and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDD or VOO?
FDD yields 5.03% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FDD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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