HISF vs VOO
First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF 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 | HISF | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.83% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $99M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.11% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.27% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.70% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.13% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.5% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 13, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HISF vs VOO Performance
First Trust High Income Strategic Focus ETF (HISF) 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 HISF returned +2.70% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, HISF is up 0.27% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, HISF compounded at +5.13% per year against +22.19% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +1.84%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 5.5% for HISF. 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 -10.4% for HISF 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HISF charges 0.83% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $83 vs $3 annually, a gap of $80 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HISF currently yields 5.11% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HISF and VOO share 0 holdings out of 516 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, HISF or VOO?
HISF has an expense ratio of 0.83% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $80 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HISF or VOO?
Over the past year HISF returned +2.70% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), HISF annualized +1.84% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HISF or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 5.5% for HISF. Worst drawdown: HISF -10.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HISF and VOO?
HISF and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HISF and VOO?
HISF and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 516 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HISF or VOO?
HISF yields 5.11% while VOO yields 1.08%, so HISF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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