FTXL vs VOO
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FTXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTXL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.11% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +67.84% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +134.19% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +49.52% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +29.12% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FTXL vs VOO Performance
First Trust Nasdaq Semiconductor ETF (FTXL) 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 FTXL returned +134.19% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, FTXL is up 67.84% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, FTXL compounded at +49.52% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +29.12% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, FTXL has the edge at +28.10% annualized vs +13.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.3% 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 -43.9% for FTXL 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTXL 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, FTXL currently yields 0.11% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FTXL and VOO share 19 holdings out of 520 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTXL or VOO?
FTXL 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, FTXL or VOO?
Over the past year FTXL returned +134.19% vs +20.92% for VOO, so FTXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), FTXL annualized +28.10% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTXL or VOO?
FTXL has been the more volatile fund at 31.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FTXL -43.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTXL and VOO?
FTXL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTXL and VOO?
FTXL and VOO share 19 common holdings with a 18.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 520 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTXL or VOO?
FTXL yields 0.11% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO 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.