RFEM vs VOO
First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. RFEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | RFEM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $78M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.70% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 115 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +20.32% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +36.06% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.53% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.21% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 14, 2016 | Sep 7, 2010 |
RFEM vs VOO Performance
First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Emerging Markets ETF (RFEM) 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 RFEM returned +36.06% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, RFEM is up 20.32% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, RFEM compounded at +24.53% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.21% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +8.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
RFEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -45.6% for RFEM 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
RFEM charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RFEM currently yields 1.70% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
RFEM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 611 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, RFEM or VOO?
RFEM has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, RFEM or VOO?
Over the past year RFEM returned +36.06% vs +23.01% for VOO, so RFEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), RFEM annualized +8.75% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, RFEM or VOO?
RFEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: RFEM -45.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both RFEM and VOO?
RFEM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between RFEM and VOO?
RFEM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, RFEM or VOO?
RFEM yields 1.70% while VOO yields 1.09%, so RFEM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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