FTQI vs VOO
First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Which is better, FTQI or VOO?
Long-Short Strategy against Large Cap Blend.
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FTQI led over 1Y, VOO over 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTQI | VOO |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $954M | $1.0T |
| Dividend Yield | 11.64% | 1.05% |
| Holdings | 362 | 519 |
| YTD Return | +12.30%Best | +10.69% |
| 1Y Return | +12.43%Best | +11.33% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.64% | +21.04%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.43% | +11.65%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9%Best | 14.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -20.4%Best | -34.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $16,422 | $17,350Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Long-Short Strategy | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 7, 2014 to Nov 10, 2026 (12.8 years).
FTQI vs VOO growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 12.8 years both funds cover.
FTQI vs VOO Performance
First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FTQI returned +12.43% while VOO returned +11.33%. Year to date, FTQI is up 12.30% versus a gain of 10.69% for VOO.
Over three years, FTQI compounded at +15.64% per year against +21.04% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.43% and +11.65% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +12.32% annualized vs +4.93%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 9.9% for FTQI. 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 -20.4% for FTQI and -34.3% for VOO. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTQI charges 0.75% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTQI currently yields 11.64% against 1.05% for VOO.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FTQI and VOO you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTQI or VOO?
FTQI has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option, by $72 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FTQI or VOO?
Over the past year FTQI returned +12.43% vs +11.33% for VOO, so FTQI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTQI annualized +4.93% vs +12.32% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FTQI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 9.9% for FTQI. Worst drawdown: FTQI -20.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTQI and VOO?
FTQI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTQI or VOO?
FTQI yields 11.64% while VOO yields 1.05%, so FTQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VOO better than FTQI?
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FTQI led over 1Y, VOO over 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.