Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFXFVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.40%0.03%
AUM$398M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings1509
YTD Return-2.21%+13.80%
1Y Return-0.64%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)+2.41%+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)+2.12%+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)9.8%14.1%
Max Drawdown-35.6%-34.3%
Fund FamilyInvesco (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 21, 2006Sep 7, 2010

FXF vs VOO Performance

Invesco CurrencyShares Swiss Franc Trust (FXF) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FXF returned -0.64% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FXF is down 2.21% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Over three years, FXF compounded at +2.41% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.12% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +1.67%. 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 9.8% for FXF. 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 -35.6% for FXF 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FXF 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, FXF currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FXF or VOO?

FXF 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, FXF or VOO?

Over the past year FXF returned -0.64% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXF annualized +1.67% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FXF or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 9.8% for FXF. Worst drawdown: FXF -35.6% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both FXF and VOO?

FXF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, FXF or VOO?

FXF yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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