RSSE 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

MetricRSSEVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.03%
AUM$36M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings5509
YTD Return+10.59%+13.72%
1Y Return+14.66%+21.63%
3Y Return (annualized)-+21.55%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.26%
Volatility (annualized)6.8%14.1%
Max Drawdown-11.4%-34.3%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 20, 2024Sep 7, 2010

RSSE vs VOO Performance

FT Vest US Equity Equal Weight Buffer ETF - September (RSSE) 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 RSSE returned +14.66% while VOO returned +21.63%. Year to date, RSSE is up 10.59% versus a gain of 13.72% for VOO.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 6.8% for RSSE. 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 -11.4% for RSSE 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

RSSE charges 0.85% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, RSSE currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

RSSE 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, RSSE or VOO?

RSSE has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.

Which performed better, RSSE or VOO?

Over the past year RSSE returned +14.66% vs +21.63% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), RSSE annualized +9.60% vs +13.56% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, RSSE or VOO?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 6.8% for RSSE. Worst drawdown: RSSE -11.4% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both RSSE and VOO?

RSSE and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between RSSE and VOO?

RSSE and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, RSSE or VOO?

RSSE yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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