FFC vs VOO
FFC vs VOO
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FFC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.23% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $829M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.03% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.05% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.52% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.38% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.44% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2003 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FFC vs VOO Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Preferred Securities Income Fund Incorporated (FFC) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FFC returned +7.52% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FFC is up 2.05% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, FFC compounded at +13.38% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.44% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -0.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FFC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.9% 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 -84.5% for FFC 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFC charges 1.23% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $123 vs $3 annually, a gap of $120 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFC currently yields 7.03% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FFC and VOO share 9 holdings out of 680 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FFC | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SYF | 1.37% | 0.04% | 1.33% |
| CFG | 0.91% | 0.05% | 0.86% |
| HBAN | 0.77% | 0.06% | 0.71% |
| APO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DTEG.N:BE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FITB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 9 holdings FFC shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. X-ray my whole portfolio$99/yr Pro · 7-day refund | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FFC or VOO?
FFC has an expense ratio of 1.23% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $120 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FFC or VOO?
Over the past year FFC returned +7.52% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FFC annualized -0.12% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FFC or VOO?
FFC has been the more volatile fund at 19.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FFC -84.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FFC and VOO?
FFC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FFC and VOO?
FFC and VOO share 9 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 680 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FFC or VOO?
FFC yields 7.03% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FFC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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