FTGS vs VOO
First Trust 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.09% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.97% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.39% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.46% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2022 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FTGS vs VOO Performance
First Trust Growth Strength ETF (FTGS) 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 FTGS returned +16.39% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, FTGS is up 12.97% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, FTGS compounded at +18.46% per year against +21.47% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, FTGS has the edge at +19.91% annualized vs +13.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTGS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% 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 -20.0% for FTGS 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGS 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, FTGS currently yields 0.09% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FTGS and VOO share 46 holdings out of 509 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGS or VOO?
FTGS 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, FTGS or VOO?
Over the past year FTGS returned +16.39% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), FTGS annualized +19.91% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGS or VOO?
FTGS has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FTGS -20.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTGS and VOO?
FTGS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 FTGS and VOO?
FTGS and VOO share 46 common holdings with a 15.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 509 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGS or VOO?
FTGS yields 0.09% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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