VOO vs YSEP
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September
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 | VOO | YSEP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $997.4B | $122M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 509 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +12.25% | +8.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.92% | +12.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.79% | +13.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +7.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 11.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.3% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 17, 2021 |
VOO vs YSEP Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (YSEP) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% while YSEP returned +12.89%. Year to date, VOO is up 12.25% versus a gain of 8.06% for YSEP.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +21.79% per year against +13.29% for YSEP; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +7.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.45% annualized vs +7.28%. 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 11.2% for YSEP. 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 -22.6% for YSEP. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOO charges 0.03% per year while YSEP 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 1.08% against 0.00% for YSEP.
Holdings Overlap
VOO and YSEP 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 YSEP?
VOO has an expense ratio of 0.03% while YSEP 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 YSEP?
Over the past year VOO returned +20.92% vs +12.89% for YSEP, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VOO annualized +13.45% vs +7.28% for YSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOO or YSEP?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 11.2% for YSEP. Worst drawdown: VOO -34.3% vs YSEP -22.6%.
Should I hold both VOO and YSEP?
VOO and YSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOO and YSEP?
VOO and YSEP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or YSEP?
VOO yields 1.08% while YSEP yields 0.00%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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