FSGS vs VOO
First Trust SMID Growth 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FSGS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $32M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.03% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +11.56% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.95% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.33% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.09% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2017 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FSGS vs VOO Performance
First Trust SMID Growth Strength ETF (FSGS) 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 FSGS returned +9.95% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FSGS is up 11.56% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FSGS compounded at +9.33% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.09% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +7.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FSGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -45.0% for FSGS 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FSGS charges 0.61% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $3 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSGS currently yields 0.03% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FSGS and VOO share 17 holdings out of 588 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSGS or VOO?
FSGS has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSGS or VOO?
Over the past year FSGS returned +9.95% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), FSGS annualized +7.15% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSGS or VOO?
FSGS has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FSGS -45.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FSGS and VOO?
FSGS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FSGS and VOO?
FSGS and VOO share 17 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 588 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSGS or VOO?
FSGS yields 0.03% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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