FSTA vs VOO
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index 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 | FSTA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 96 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.86% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.32% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.06% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.03% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Fidelity Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FSTA vs VOO Performance
Fidelity MSCI Consumer Staples Index ETF (FSTA) is a ETF from Fidelity Investments (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FSTA returned +6.32% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FSTA is up 10.86% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, FSTA compounded at +8.06% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +7.03% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +7.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 12.4% for FSTA. 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 -25.7% for FSTA 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
FSTA charges 0.08% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $3 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FSTA currently yields 2.21% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FSTA and VOO share 32 holdings out of 566 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FSTA or VOO?
FSTA has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FSTA or VOO?
Over the past year FSTA returned +6.32% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FSTA annualized +7.16% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FSTA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.4% for FSTA. Worst drawdown: FSTA -25.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FSTA and VOO?
FSTA 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 FSTA and VOO?
FSTA and VOO share 32 common holdings with a 4.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FSTA or VOO?
FSTA yields 2.21% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FSTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.