FFEM vs VOO
Fidelity Fundamental Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FFEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FFEM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $62M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 118 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +22.14% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.25% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 19, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FFEM vs VOO Performance
Fidelity Fundamental Emerging Markets ETF (FFEM) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FFEM returned +43.25% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FFEM is up 22.14% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FFEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.0% 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 -16.3% for FFEM 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FFEM charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FFEM currently yields 1.26% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FFEM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 611 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, FFEM or VOO?
FFEM has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FFEM or VOO?
Over the past year FFEM returned +43.25% vs +21.79% for VOO, so FFEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FFEM annualized +36.68% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FFEM or VOO?
FFEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FFEM -16.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FFEM and VOO?
FFEM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FFEM and VOO?
FFEM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FFEM or VOO?
FFEM yields 1.26% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FFEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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