FTQI vs VOO
First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FTQI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTQI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $955M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.30% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 183 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +12.87% | +12.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.33% | +21.15% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.08% | +20.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.47% | +12.76% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FTQI vs VOO Performance
First Trust Nasdaq BuyWrite Income ETF (FTQI) 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 FTQI returned +21.33% while VOO returned +21.15%. Year to date, FTQI is up 12.87% versus a gain of 12.87% for VOO.
Over three years, FTQI compounded at +16.08% per year against +20.93% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.47% and +12.76% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.46% annualized vs +5.05%. 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 10.0% 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 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
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 11.30% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FTQI and VOO share 81 holdings out of 600 unique holdings combined, representing a 43.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTQI or VOO?
Over the past year FTQI returned +21.33% vs +21.15% for VOO, so FTQI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTQI annualized +5.05% vs +13.46% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTQI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.0% 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 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTQI and VOO?
FTQI and VOO share 81 common holdings with a 43.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 600 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTQI or VOO?
FTQI yields 11.30% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FTQI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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