FYX vs VOO
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FYX delivered stronger 1-year returns. FYX offers more diversification with 526 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FYX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 526 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +28.66% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.90% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.14% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.00% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FYX vs VOO Performance
First Trust Small Cap Core AlphaDEX Fund (FYX) 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 FYX returned +41.90% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, FYX is up 28.66% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, FYX compounded at +21.14% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.00% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +8.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FYX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -62.1% for FYX 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FYX charges 0.58% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FYX currently yields 0.90% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FYX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 1014 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, FYX or VOO?
FYX has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FYX or VOO?
Over the past year FYX returned +41.90% vs +21.79% for VOO, so FYX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FYX annualized +8.93% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FYX or VOO?
FYX has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FYX -62.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FYX and VOO?
FYX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FYX and VOO?
FYX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1014 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FYX or VOO?
FYX yields 0.90% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO 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.