FDT vs VOO
First Trust Developed Markets Ex-US AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FDT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.88% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 312 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +18.10% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.65% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.72% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.40% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FDT vs VOO Performance
First Trust Developed Markets Ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) 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 FDT returned +31.65% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, FDT is up 18.10% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, FDT compounded at +26.72% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.40% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +5.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -48.6% for FDT 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDT charges 0.80% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FDT currently yields 2.88% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FDT and VOO share 1 holdings out of 799 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FDT | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KR | 0.00% | 0.05% | 0.05% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDT or VOO?
FDT has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FDT or VOO?
Over the past year FDT returned +31.65% vs +20.69% for VOO, so FDT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDT annualized +5.51% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDT or VOO?
FDT has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FDT -48.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FDT and VOO?
FDT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDT and VOO?
FDT and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDT or VOO?
FDT yields 2.88% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FDT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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