KNG vs VOO
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income 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 | KNG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.74% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3.5B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.28% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 139 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.15% | +12.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.17% | +20.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.81% | +22.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.29% | +13.40% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2018 | Sep 7, 2010 |
KNG vs VOO Performance
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) 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 KNG returned +9.17% while VOO returned +20.69%. Year to date, KNG is up 7.15% versus a gain of 12.95% for VOO.
Over three years, KNG compounded at +7.81% per year against +22.09% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.29% and +13.40% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.50% annualized vs +7.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KNG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -35.1% for KNG 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KNG charges 0.74% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $74 vs $3 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KNG currently yields 8.28% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
KNG and VOO share 67 holdings out of 507 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KNG or VOO?
KNG has an expense ratio of 0.74% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KNG or VOO?
Over the past year KNG returned +9.17% vs +20.69% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), KNG annualized +7.35% vs +13.50% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KNG or VOO?
KNG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: KNG -35.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both KNG and VOO?
KNG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KNG and VOO?
KNG and VOO share 67 common holdings with a 10.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 507 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KNG or VOO?
KNG yields 8.28% while VOO yields 1.08%, so KNG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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