FXI vs VOO
iShares China Large-Cap ETF 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 | FXI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.73% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -10.86% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.43% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.19% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.73% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 5, 2004 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FXI vs VOO Performance
iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FXI returned -5.43% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, FXI is down 10.86% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, FXI compounded at +11.19% per year against +21.55% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -0.73% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +3.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% 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 -73.3% for FXI 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXI charges 0.73% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $73 vs $3 annually, a gap of $70 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXI currently yields 2.14% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FXI and VOO share 0 holdings out of 556 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXI or VOO?
FXI has an expense ratio of 0.73% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $70 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXI or VOO?
Over the past year FXI returned -5.43% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXI annualized +3.75% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXI or VOO?
FXI has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FXI -73.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FXI and VOO?
FXI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXI and VOO?
FXI and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 556 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXI or VOO?
FXI yields 2.14% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.