FQAL vs VOO
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FQAL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +13.30% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.55% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.35% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.78% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FQAL vs VOO Performance
Fidelity Quality Factor ETF (FQAL) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FQAL returned +18.55% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FQAL is up 13.30% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FQAL compounded at +20.35% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.78% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FQAL has the edge at +13.87% annualized vs +13.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FQAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% compared with 14.2% 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 -34.1% for FQAL 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FQAL charges 0.15% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $3 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FQAL currently yields 1.15% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FQAL and VOO share 107 holdings out of 523 unique holdings combined, representing a 51.3% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FQAL or VOO?
FQAL has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FQAL or VOO?
Over the past year FQAL returned +18.55% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FQAL annualized +13.87% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FQAL or VOO?
FQAL has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FQAL -34.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FQAL and VOO?
FQAL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FQAL and VOO?
FQAL and VOO share 107 common holdings with a 51.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 523 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FQAL or VOO?
FQAL yields 1.15% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FQAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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