GOCT vs VOO
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - October 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 | GOCT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $262M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.29% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.42% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 20, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GOCT vs VOO Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - October (GOCT) 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 GOCT returned +13.42% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, GOCT is up 7.29% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 5.9% for GOCT. 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 -10.5% for GOCT 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GOCT 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, GOCT currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GOCT 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, GOCT or VOO?
GOCT 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, GOCT or VOO?
Over the past year GOCT returned +13.42% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GOCT annualized +12.50% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GOCT or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 5.9% for GOCT. Worst drawdown: GOCT -10.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GOCT and VOO?
GOCT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between GOCT and VOO?
GOCT and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GOCT or VOO?
GOCT yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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