GMAY vs VOO
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GMAY | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $528M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.37% | +13.72% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.14% | +21.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.89% | +21.55% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GMAY vs VOO Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - May (GMAY) 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 GMAY returned +10.14% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, GMAY is up 6.37% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.
Over three years, GMAY compounded at +11.89% per year against +21.55% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.56% annualized vs +12.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 6.1% for GMAY. 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 -11.8% for GMAY 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GMAY charges 0.85% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GMAY currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GMAY and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 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, GMAY or VOO?
GMAY has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GMAY or VOO?
Over the past year GMAY returned +10.14% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GMAY annualized +12.30% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GMAY or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.1% for GMAY. Worst drawdown: GMAY -11.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GMAY and VOO?
GMAY and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GMAY and VOO?
GMAY and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GMAY or VOO?
GMAY yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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