FXH vs VOO
First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FXH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXH | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.81% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.81% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.14% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.56% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.82% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FXH vs VOO Performance
First Trust Health Care AlphaDEX Fund (FXH) 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 FXH returned +26.14% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FXH is up 14.81% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FXH compounded at +8.56% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.82% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +10.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% compared with 14.2% 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 -43.7% for FXH 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXH charges 0.61% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $3 annually, a gap of $58 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXH currently yields 0.81% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FXH and VOO share 43 holdings out of 535 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXH or VOO?
FXH has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $58 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXH or VOO?
Over the past year FXH returned +26.14% vs +21.79% for VOO, so FXH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXH annualized +10.38% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXH or VOO?
FXH has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FXH -43.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FXH and VOO?
FXH and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXH and VOO?
FXH and VOO share 43 common holdings with a 6.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 535 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXH or VOO?
FXH yields 0.81% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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