FTGC vs VOO
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FTGC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.26% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +33.63% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.13% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.00% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.28% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FTGC vs VOO Performance
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) 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 FTGC returned +45.13% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, FTGC is up 33.63% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, FTGC compounded at +17.00% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +15.28% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +3.46%. 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 13.6% for FTGC. 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 -60.6% for FTGC 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGC charges 0.98% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $3 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGC currently yields 15.26% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FTGC and VOO share 0 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGC or VOO?
FTGC has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGC or VOO?
Over the past year FTGC returned +45.13% vs +20.92% for VOO, so FTGC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTGC annualized +3.46% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGC or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.6% for FTGC. Worst drawdown: FTGC -60.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTGC and VOO?
FTGC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGC and VOO?
FTGC and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGC or VOO?
FTGC yields 15.26% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FTGC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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