FIAX vs VOO
Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF 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 | FIAX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $129M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.16% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.88% | +14.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.06% | +22.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.31% | +21.80% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | XFunds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FIAX vs VOO Performance
Nicholas Fixed Income Alternative ETF (FIAX) is a ETF from XFunds and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FIAX returned +4.06% while VOO returned +22.02%. Year to date, FIAX is up 1.88% versus a gain of 14.48% for VOO.
Over three years, FIAX compounded at +3.31% per year against +21.80% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.61% annualized vs +3.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 3.5% for FIAX. 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 -6.3% for FIAX 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FIAX charges 0.97% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $3 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FIAX currently yields 8.16% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FIAX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 509 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, FIAX or VOO?
FIAX has an expense ratio of 0.97% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FIAX or VOO?
Over the past year FIAX returned +4.06% vs +22.02% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FIAX annualized +3.26% vs +13.61% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FIAX or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 3.5% for FIAX. Worst drawdown: FIAX -6.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FIAX and VOO?
FIAX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FIAX and VOO?
FIAX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FIAX or VOO?
FIAX yields 8.16% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FIAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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