VOO vs YSEP
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September
Which is better, VOO or YSEP?
Large Cap Blend against Multi Alternative.
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOO | YSEP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03%Best | 0.90% |
| AUM | $997.4B | $125M |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 509 | 10 |
| YTD Return | +11.55%Best | +8.34% |
| 1Y Return | +17.54%Best | +12.53% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.71%Best | +12.89% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.80%Best | +7.25% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 11.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -24.5% | -22.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $18,262Best | $14,190 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Sep 17, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 20, 2021 to Sep 10, 2026 (5 years).
VOO vs YSEP growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5 years both funds cover.
VOO vs YSEP Performance
Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (YSEP) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VOO returned +17.54% while YSEP returned +12.53%. Year to date, VOO is up 11.55% versus a gain of 8.34% for YSEP.
Over three years, VOO compounded at +20.71% per year against +12.89% for YSEP; over five years the annualized figures are +12.80% and +7.25% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% compared with 11.1% 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 -24.5% for VOO and -22.6% for YSEP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 1.04% against 0.00% for YSEP.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VOO and YSEP you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $87 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VOO or YSEP?
Over the past year VOO returned +17.54% vs +12.53% for YSEP, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VOO or YSEP?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 11.1% for YSEP. Worst drawdown: VOO -24.5% vs YSEP -22.6%.
Should I hold both VOO and YSEP?
VOO and YSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOO or YSEP?
VOO yields 1.04% while YSEP yields 0.00%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is YSEP better than VOO?
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.