FPF vs VOO
First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income 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 | FPF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.78% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.64% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 230 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.90% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.62% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.14% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.65% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FPF vs VOO Performance
First Trust Intermediate Duration Preferred & Income Fund (FPF) 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 FPF returned +1.62% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FPF is down 0.90% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, FPF compounded at +14.14% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.65% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +0.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FPF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -54.6% for FPF 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FPF charges 1.78% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $178 vs $3 annually, a gap of $175 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FPF currently yields 8.64% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FPF and VOO share 7 holdings out of 668 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FPF or VOO?
FPF has an expense ratio of 1.78% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $175 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FPF or VOO?
Over the past year FPF returned +1.62% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FPF annualized +0.73% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FPF or VOO?
FPF has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FPF -54.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FPF and VOO?
FPF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FPF and VOO?
FPF and VOO share 7 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 668 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FPF or VOO?
FPF yields 8.64% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FPF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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