FKU vs VOO
First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FKU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FKU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $38M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.71% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.12% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.76% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.10% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.89% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FKU vs VOO Performance
First Trust United Kingdom AlphaDEX Fund (FKU) 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 FKU returned +24.76% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, FKU is up 13.12% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, FKU compounded at +23.10% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.89% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +5.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FKU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -58.7% for FKU 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FKU 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, FKU currently yields 2.71% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FKU and VOO share 0 holdings out of 581 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, FKU or VOO?
FKU 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, FKU or VOO?
Over the past year FKU returned +24.76% vs +22.62% for VOO, so FKU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FKU annualized +5.86% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FKU or VOO?
FKU has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FKU -58.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FKU and VOO?
FKU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FKU and VOO?
FKU and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 581 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FKU or VOO?
FKU yields 2.71% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FKU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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