VOO vs XOCT
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October
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 | VOO | XOCT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $979.0B | $72M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +13.44% | +6.01% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.62% | +10.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.47% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.27% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 4.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -10.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Oct 20, 2023 |
VOO vs XOCT Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - October (XOCT) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VOO returned +22.62% while XOCT returned +10.39%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.44% versus a gain of 6.01% for XOCT.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 4.7% for XOCT. 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 -34.3% for VOO and -10.0% for XOCT. 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while XOCT charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $85 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for XOCT.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and XOCT 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, VOO or XOCT?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while XOCT charges 0.85%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VOO or XOCT?
Over the past year VOO returned +22.62% vs +10.39% for XOCT, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VOO annualized +13.55% vs +10.47% for XOCT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or XOCT?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 4.7% for XOCT. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs XOCT -10.0%.
Should I hold both VOO and XOCT?
VOO and XOCT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and XOCT?
VOO and XOCT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or XOCT?
VOO yields 1.09% while XOCT yields 0.00%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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