HSMV vs VOO
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid 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 | HSMV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $41M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.86% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 151 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.00% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.08% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.38% | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.10% | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.2% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 6, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HSMV vs VOO Performance
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Small/Mid ETF (HSMV) 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 HSMV returned +9.08% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, HSMV is up 10.00% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Over three years, HSMV compounded at +10.38% per year against +21.79% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.10% and +13.05% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +11.42%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HSMV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% compared with 14.1% 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 -19.2% for HSMV 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HSMV charges 0.80% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $3 annually, a gap of $77 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HSMV currently yields 1.86% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HSMV and VOO share 1 holdings out of 654 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HSMV | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA | 0.21% | 0.08% | 0.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HSMV or VOO?
HSMV has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $77 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HSMV or VOO?
Over the past year HSMV returned +9.08% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), HSMV annualized +11.42% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HSMV or VOO?
HSMV has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HSMV -19.2% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HSMV and VOO?
HSMV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HSMV and VOO?
HSMV and VOO share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 654 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HSMV or VOO?
HSMV yields 1.86% while VOO yields 1.08%, so HSMV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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