FDTS vs VOO
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FDTS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FDTS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $14M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 412 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +21.82% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.51% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.28% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 15, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FDTS vs VOO Performance
First Trust Developed Markets ex-US Small Cap AlphaDEX Fund (FDTS) 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 FDTS returned +37.51% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FDTS is up 21.82% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FDTS compounded at +26.28% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.99% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FDTS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.2% 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 -53.2% for FDTS 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FDTS 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, FDTS currently yields 2.87% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FDTS and VOO share 1 holdings out of 903 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FDTS | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRE | 0.09% | 0.09% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FDTS or VOO?
FDTS 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, FDTS or VOO?
Over the past year FDTS returned +37.51% vs +21.79% for VOO, so FDTS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FDTS annualized +7.29% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FDTS or VOO?
FDTS has been the more volatile fund at 18.2% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FDTS -53.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FDTS and VOO?
FDTS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FDTS and VOO?
FDTS and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 903 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FDTS or VOO?
FDTS yields 2.87% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FDTS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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