FGM vs VOO
First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FGM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $98M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 42 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.15% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.17% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.01% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.18% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FGM vs VOO Performance
First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund (FGM) 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 FGM returned +9.17% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, FGM is down 0.15% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, FGM compounded at +20.01% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.18% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +6.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FGM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -53.6% for FGM 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
FGM 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, FGM currently yields 1.40% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FGM and VOO share 1 holdings out of 544 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FGM | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 1.64% | 0.49% | 1.15% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FGM or VOO?
FGM 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, FGM or VOO?
Over the past year FGM returned +9.17% vs +20.69% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FGM annualized +6.03% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FGM or VOO?
FGM has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FGM -53.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FGM and VOO?
FGM 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 FGM and VOO?
FGM and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FGM or VOO?
FGM yields 1.40% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FGM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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