QDEC vs VOO
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December 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 | QDEC | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $682M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.77% | +13.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.15% | +22.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.90% | +21.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.10% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | Sep 7, 2010 |
QDEC vs VOO Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December (QDEC) 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 QDEC returned +19.15% while VOO returned +22.62%. Year to date, QDEC is up 10.77% versus a gain of 13.44% for VOO.
Over three years, QDEC compounded at +16.90% per year against +21.47% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.10% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +11.16%. 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 12.2% for QDEC. 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 -25.3% for QDEC 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QDEC charges 0.90% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $3 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QDEC currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
QDEC and VOO share 0 holdings out of 506 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, QDEC or VOO?
QDEC has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QDEC or VOO?
Over the past year QDEC returned +19.15% vs +22.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QDEC annualized +11.16% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QDEC or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 12.2% for QDEC. Worst drawdown: QDEC -25.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both QDEC and VOO?
QDEC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QDEC and VOO?
QDEC and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QDEC or VOO?
QDEC yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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