FNY vs VOO
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FNY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FNY | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $600M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 226 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.71% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.91% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.52% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.55% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FNY vs VOO Performance
First Trust Mid Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FNY) 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 FNY returned +24.91% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, FNY is up 13.71% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, FNY compounded at +19.52% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +8.55% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +11.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FNY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -38.9% for FNY 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FNY charges 0.73% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $3 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FNY currently yields 0.00% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FNY and VOO share 14 holdings out of 716 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FNY or VOO?
FNY has an expense ratio of 0.73% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FNY or VOO?
Over the past year FNY returned +24.91% vs +21.62% for VOO, so FNY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FNY annualized +11.56% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FNY or VOO?
FNY has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FNY -38.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FNY and VOO?
FNY and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FNY and VOO?
FNY and VOO share 14 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 716 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FNY or VOO?
FNY yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO 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.