FPA vs VOO
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FPA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FPA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $111M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.88% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +30.11% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.99% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.16% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.64% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FPA vs VOO Performance
First Trust Asia Pacific Ex-Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FPA) 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 FPA returned +43.99% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, FPA is up 30.11% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, FPA compounded at +27.16% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.64% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +4.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% 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 -55.8% for FPA 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPA 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, FPA currently yields 3.88% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FPA and VOO share 0 holdings out of 604 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, FPA or VOO?
FPA 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, FPA or VOO?
Over the past year FPA returned +43.99% vs +20.92% for VOO, so FPA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FPA annualized +4.53% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPA or VOO?
FPA has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FPA -55.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FPA and VOO?
FPA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPA and VOO?
FPA and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPA or VOO?
FPA yields 3.88% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FPA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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