FYT vs VOO
First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FYT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $202M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +28.23% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.62% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.37% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.74% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2011 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FYT vs VOO Performance
First Trust Small Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FYT) 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 FYT returned +35.62% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, FYT is up 28.23% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, FYT compounded at +16.37% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +9.74% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +9.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% 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 -51.7% for FYT 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYT charges 0.70% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYT currently yields 1.43% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FYT and VOO share 0 holdings out of 765 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, FYT or VOO?
FYT has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYT or VOO?
Over the past year FYT returned +35.62% vs +21.62% for VOO, so FYT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), FYT annualized +9.27% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYT or VOO?
FYT has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FYT -51.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FYT and VOO?
FYT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYT and VOO?
FYT and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 765 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYT or VOO?
FYT yields 1.43% while VOO yields 1.08%, so FYT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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