FXL vs VOO
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FXL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXL | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 111 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +32.38% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.13% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.26% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.54% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FXL vs VOO Performance
First Trust Technology AlphaDEX Fund (FXL) 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 FXL returned +40.13% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FXL is up 32.38% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FXL compounded at +26.26% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.54% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, FXL has the edge at +13.65% annualized vs +13.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% 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 -61.4% for FXL 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXL charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FXL currently yields 0.00% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FXL and VOO share 52 holdings out of 563 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXL or VOO?
FXL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FXL or VOO?
Over the past year FXL returned +40.13% vs +21.79% for VOO, so FXL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXL annualized +13.65% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXL or VOO?
FXL has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FXL -61.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FXL and VOO?
FXL and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXL and VOO?
FXL and VOO share 52 common holdings with a 15.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXL or VOO?
FXL yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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