MDEV vs VOO
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices 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 | MDEV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $3M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.36% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.47% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.52% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.69% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 22, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
MDEV vs VOO Performance
First Trust Indxx Medical Devices ETF (MDEV) 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 MDEV returned +5.47% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, MDEV is down 0.36% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, MDEV compounded at +1.52% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -4.69% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs -3.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MDEV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -42.3% for MDEV 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDEV 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, MDEV currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
MDEV and VOO share 23 holdings out of 531 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MDEV or VOO?
MDEV 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, MDEV or VOO?
Over the past year MDEV returned +5.47% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), MDEV annualized -3.61% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDEV or VOO?
MDEV has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MDEV -42.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both MDEV and VOO?
MDEV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MDEV and VOO?
MDEV and VOO share 23 common holdings with a 2.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 531 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDEV or VOO?
MDEV yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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