FNX vs VOO
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FNX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.62% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.81% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 451 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.95% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.54% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.40% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.25% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FNX vs VOO Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FNX) 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 FNX returned +22.54% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, FNX is up 13.95% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, FNX compounded at +16.40% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.25% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +8.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -57.6% for FNX 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNX charges 0.62% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $62 vs $3 annually, a gap of $59 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNX currently yields 0.81% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FNX and VOO share 44 holdings out of 910 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNX or VOO?
FNX has an expense ratio of 0.62% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $59 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNX or VOO?
Over the past year FNX returned +22.54% vs +20.92% for VOO, so FNX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FNX annualized +8.89% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNX or VOO?
FNX has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FNX -57.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FNX and VOO?
FNX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNX and VOO?
FNX and VOO share 44 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 910 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNX or VOO?
FNX yields 0.81% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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