FSCS vs VOO
First Trust SMID Capital Strength 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSCS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $58M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.91% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.87% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.18% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.69% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.74% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FSCS vs VOO Performance
First Trust SMID Capital Strength ETF (FSCS) 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 FSCS returned +8.18% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, FSCS is up 7.87% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, FSCS compounded at +10.69% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.74% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +8.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -43.6% for FSCS 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSCS charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSCS currently yields 0.91% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FSCS and VOO share 32 holdings out of 573 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSCS or VOO?
FSCS has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSCS or VOO?
Over the past year FSCS returned +8.18% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FSCS annualized +8.38% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSCS or VOO?
FSCS has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FSCS -43.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FSCS and VOO?
FSCS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSCS and VOO?
FSCS and VOO share 32 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSCS or VOO?
FSCS yields 0.91% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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