FJP vs VOO
First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FJP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FJP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $262M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.58% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.32% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.06% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.21% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.49% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FJP vs VOO Performance
First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) 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 FJP returned +21.06% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, FJP is up 14.32% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, FJP compounded at +20.21% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.49% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +5.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FJP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -43.9% for FJP 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FJP 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, FJP currently yields 2.58% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FJP and VOO share 0 holdings out of 605 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, FJP or VOO?
FJP 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, FJP or VOO?
Over the past year FJP returned +21.06% vs +20.69% for VOO, so FJP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FJP annualized +5.08% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FJP or VOO?
FJP has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FJP -43.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FJP and VOO?
FJP and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FJP and VOO?
FJP and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FJP or VOO?
FJP yields 2.58% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FJP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.