FXN vs VOO
First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FXN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FXN | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.63% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $372M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.83% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +35.93% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +53.11% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.39% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.51% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -88.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FXN vs VOO Performance
First Trust Energy AlphaDEX Fund (FXN) 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 FXN returned +53.11% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, FXN is up 35.93% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, FXN compounded at +11.39% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +19.51% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +1.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.8% 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 -88.6% for FXN 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXN 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, FXN currently yields 1.83% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FXN and VOO share 22 holdings out of 522 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXN or VOO?
FXN 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, FXN or VOO?
Over the past year FXN returned +53.11% vs +22.62% for VOO, so FXN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXN annualized +1.37% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXN or VOO?
FXN has been the more volatile fund at 34.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FXN -88.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FXN and VOO?
FXN and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXN and VOO?
FXN and VOO share 22 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 522 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXN or VOO?
FXN yields 1.83% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FXN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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