FXE vs VOO
Invesco CurrencyShares Euro Currency 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 | FXE | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $336M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.74% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.94% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.10% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.29% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.50% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2005 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FXE vs VOO Performance
Invesco CurrencyShares Euro Currency Trust (FXE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FXE returned -0.10% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FXE is down 0.94% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, FXE compounded at +3.29% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +0.50% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -0.30%. 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 9.1% for FXE. 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 -44.7% for FXE 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXE 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, FXE currently yields 0.74% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXE or VOO?
FXE 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, FXE or VOO?
Over the past year FXE returned -0.10% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXE annualized -0.30% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXE or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 9.1% for FXE. Worst drawdown: FXE -44.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FXE and VOO?
FXE and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXE or VOO?
FXE yields 0.74% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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