GSEP vs VOO
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September 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 | GSEP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $345M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.35% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.27% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.64% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 15, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
GSEP vs VOO Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (GSEP) 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 GSEP returned +11.27% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, GSEP is up 7.35% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, GSEP compounded at +11.64% per year against +21.79% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +11.64%. 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 6.0% for GSEP. 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 -10.1% for GSEP 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSEP 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, GSEP currently yields 0.00% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
GSEP 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, GSEP or VOO?
GSEP 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, GSEP or VOO?
Over the past year GSEP returned +11.27% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GSEP annualized +11.64% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSEP or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.0% for GSEP. Worst drawdown: GSEP -10.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both GSEP and VOO?
GSEP and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 GSEP and VOO?
GSEP and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSEP or VOO?
GSEP yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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