FXA vs VOO
Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust 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 | FXA | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $97M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.97% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.15% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.58% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.88% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.06% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -47.9% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 21, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FXA vs VOO Performance
Invesco CurrencyShares Australian Dollar Trust (FXA) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FXA returned +9.58% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FXA is up 6.15% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, FXA compounded at +3.88% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.06% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -0.02%. 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 12.3% for FXA. 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 -47.9% for FXA 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXA charges 0.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXA currently yields 0.97% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXA or VOO?
FXA has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXA or VOO?
Over the past year FXA returned +9.58% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXA annualized -0.02% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXA or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.3% for FXA. Worst drawdown: FXA -47.9% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FXA and VOO?
FXA and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXA or VOO?
FXA yields 0.97% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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