FLC vs VOO
Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FLC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.64% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $193M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.71% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 257 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.15% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.51% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.68% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.16% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Flaherty & Crumrine | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 29, 2003 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FLC vs VOO Performance
Flaherty & Crumrine Total Return Fund (FLC) is a ETF from Flaherty & Crumrine and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FLC returned +5.51% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FLC is down 0.15% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, FLC compounded at +12.68% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -0.16% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -0.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FLC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -83.0% for FLC 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FLC charges 1.64% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $164 vs $3 annually, a gap of $161 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FLC currently yields 6.71% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FLC and VOO share 10 holdings out of 679 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FLC or VOO?
FLC has an expense ratio of 1.64% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $161 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FLC or VOO?
Over the past year FLC returned +5.51% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FLC annualized -0.02% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FLC or VOO?
FLC has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FLC -83.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FLC and VOO?
FLC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FLC and VOO?
FLC and VOO share 10 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 679 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FLC or VOO?
FLC yields 6.71% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FLC 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.