VOO vs YDEC

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

MetricVOOYDECWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.90%
AUM$979.0B$162M
Dividend Yield1.09%0.00%
Holdings5095
YTD Return+13.79%+7.19%
1Y Return+23.01%+11.37%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.78%+8.80%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.39%+5.30%
Volatility (annualized)14.1%11.0%
Max Drawdown-34.3%-23.3%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)First Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionSep 7, 2010Dec 18, 2020

VOO vs YDEC Performance

Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - December (YDEC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VOO returned +23.01% while YDEC returned +11.37%. Year to date, VOO is up 13.79% versus a gain of 7.19% for YDEC.

Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.78% per year against +8.80% for YDEC; over five years the annualized figures are +13.39% and +5.30% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +6.26%. 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 11.0% for YDEC. 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 -23.3% for YDEC. 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

VOO charges 0.03% per year while YDEC charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $90 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VOO currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for YDEC.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VOO and YDEC 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 YDEC?

VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YDEC charges 0.90%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VOO or YDEC?

Over the past year VOO returned +23.01% vs +11.37% for YDEC, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VOO annualized +13.57% vs +6.26% for YDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VOO or YDEC?

VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 11.0% for YDEC. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs YDEC -23.3%.

Should I hold both VOO and YDEC?

VOO and YDEC 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 VOO and YDEC?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or YDEC?

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

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.