TSEP vs VOO
FT Vest Emerging Market Buffer ETF - September 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 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TSEP | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $16M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +10.30% | +12.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.32% | +20.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.05% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
TSEP vs VOO Performance
FT Vest Emerging Market Buffer ETF - September (TSEP) 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 TSEP returned +18.32% while VOO returned +20.92%. Year to date, TSEP is up 10.30% versus a gain of 12.25% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 7.9% for TSEP. 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 -9.8% for TSEP 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TSEP 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, TSEP currently yields 0.00% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
TSEP 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, TSEP or VOO?
TSEP 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, TSEP or VOO?
Over the past year TSEP returned +18.32% vs +20.92% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), TSEP annualized +16.08% vs +13.45% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TSEP or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 7.9% for TSEP. Worst drawdown: TSEP -9.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both TSEP and VOO?
TSEP and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TSEP and VOO?
TSEP and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TSEP or VOO?
TSEP yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.08%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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