FXG vs VOO
First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $232M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +9.99% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.99% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.91% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.88% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FXG vs VOO Performance
First Trust Consumer Staples AlphaDEX Fund (FXG) 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 FXG returned +4.99% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, FXG is up 9.99% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, FXG compounded at +3.91% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +4.88% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% 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 -40.0% for FXG 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXG charges 0.63% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $63 vs $3 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXG currently yields 2.37% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FXG and VOO share 24 holdings out of 521 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXG or VOO?
FXG has an expense ratio of 0.63% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXG or VOO?
Over the past year FXG returned +4.99% vs +21.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXG annualized +7.04% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXG or VOO?
FXG has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FXG -40.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FXG and VOO?
FXG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXG and VOO?
FXG and VOO share 24 common holdings with a 2.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 521 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXG or VOO?
FXG yields 2.37% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FXG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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