HUSV vs VOO
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HUSV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $74M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.25% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.40% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.76% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.11% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HUSV vs VOO Performance
First Trust Horizon Managed Volatility Domestic ETF (HUSV) 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 HUSV returned +5.40% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, HUSV is up 8.25% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, HUSV compounded at +9.76% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.11% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +8.48%. 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 13.2% for HUSV. 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 -35.7% for HUSV 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HUSV charges 0.70% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $3 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HUSV currently yields 1.37% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HUSV and VOO share 98 holdings out of 508 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HUSV or VOO?
HUSV has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HUSV or VOO?
Over the past year HUSV returned +5.40% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), HUSV annualized +8.48% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HUSV or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 13.2% for HUSV. Worst drawdown: HUSV -35.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HUSV and VOO?
HUSV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HUSV and VOO?
HUSV and VOO share 98 common holdings with a 20.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 508 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HUSV or VOO?
HUSV yields 1.37% while VOO yields 1.09%, so HUSV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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