SAUG vs VOO
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August 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 | SAUG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $110M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +9.35% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.43% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.10% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.6% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 18, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SAUG vs VOO Performance
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - August (SAUG) 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 SAUG returned +19.43% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, SAUG is up 9.35% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, SAUG compounded at +12.10% per year against +21.78% for VOO. Across the full 3-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +12.10%. 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 10.1% for SAUG. 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 -14.6% for SAUG 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAUG 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, SAUG currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SAUG 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, SAUG or VOO?
SAUG 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, SAUG or VOO?
Over the past year SAUG returned +19.43% vs +23.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SAUG annualized +12.10% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAUG or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 10.1% for SAUG. Worst drawdown: SAUG -14.6% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SAUG and VOO?
SAUG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SAUG and VOO?
SAUG and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAUG or VOO?
SAUG yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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