RCTR vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricRCTRVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.70%0.03%
AUM$26M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.40%1.09%
Holdings52509
YTD Return+2.47%+13.80%
1Y Return+11.17%+23.71%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.50%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.44%
Volatility (annualized)25.9%14.1%
Max Drawdown-19.0%-34.3%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 30, 2025Sep 7, 2010

RCTR vs VOO Performance

First Trust Bloomberg Nuclear Power ETF (RCTR) 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 RCTR returned +11.17% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, RCTR is up 2.47% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

RCTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -19.0% for RCTR 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RCTR 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, RCTR currently yields 0.40% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

1.1%overlap

RCTR and VOO share 7 holdings out of 543 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in RCTRWeight in VOODifference
CEG5.25%0.12%5.13%
VST5.04%0.08%4.96%
DUK4.51%0.15%4.36%
ETRProProPro
SOProProPro
GEVProProPro
HIIProProPro
See all 7 holdings RCTR shares with VOO
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, RCTR or VOO?

RCTR 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, RCTR or VOO?

Over the past year RCTR returned +11.17% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), RCTR annualized +13.52% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RCTR or VOO?

RCTR has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: RCTR -19.0% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both RCTR and VOO?

RCTR and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between RCTR and VOO?

RCTR and VOO share 7 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 543 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RCTR or VOO?

RCTR yields 0.40% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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