FXU vs VOO
First Trust Utilities 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 | FXU | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.61% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $809M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.19% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.96% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.10% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.01% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.37% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FXU vs VOO Performance
First Trust Utilities AlphaDEX Fund (FXU) 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 FXU returned +11.10% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FXU is up 7.96% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FXU compounded at +20.01% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.37% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +5.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FXU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% 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 -51.5% for FXU 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FXU 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, FXU currently yields 2.19% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FXU and VOO share 29 holdings out of 516 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FXU or VOO?
FXU 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, FXU or VOO?
Over the past year FXU returned +11.10% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FXU annualized +5.45% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FXU or VOO?
FXU has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FXU -51.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FXU and VOO?
FXU and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FXU and VOO?
FXU and VOO share 29 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FXU or VOO?
FXU yields 2.19% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FXU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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