FGD vs VOO
First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FGD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.04% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 109 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +17.89% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.57% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.69% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.61% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 21, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FGD vs VOO Performance
First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) 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 FGD returned +29.57% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FGD is up 17.89% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FGD compounded at +25.69% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.61% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +2.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FGD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -70.2% for FGD 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FGD charges 0.55% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FGD currently yields 5.04% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FGD and VOO share 11 holdings out of 593 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGD or VOO?
FGD has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FGD or VOO?
Over the past year FGD returned +29.57% vs +21.79% for VOO, so FGD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FGD annualized +2.59% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGD or VOO?
FGD has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FGD -70.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FGD and VOO?
FGD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FGD and VOO?
FGD and VOO share 11 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 593 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGD or VOO?
FGD yields 5.04% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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