AFLG vs VOO
AFLG vs VOO
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF 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 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFLG | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $702M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 219 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +14.36% | +13.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.43% | +22.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.27% | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.57% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
AFLG vs VOO Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap ETF (AFLG) 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 AFLG returned +22.43% while VOO returned +22.88%. Year to date, AFLG is up 14.36% versus a gain of 13.11% for VOO.
Over three years, AFLG compounded at +21.27% per year against +21.08% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.57% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFLG has the edge at +13.85% annualized vs +13.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFLG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -35.8% for AFLG 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFLG charges 0.55% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $3 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFLG currently yields 0.70% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
AFLG and VOO share 181 holdings out of 539 unique holdings combined, representing a 48.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFLG | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 7.57% | 7.51% | 0.06% |
| AAPL | 6.83% | 6.59% | 0.24% |
| GOOGL | 5.51% | 3.25% | 2.26% |
| MSFT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LRCX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TSLA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings AFLG shares with VOO Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFLG or VOO?
AFLG has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFLG or VOO?
Over the past year AFLG returned +22.43% vs +22.88% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFLG annualized +13.85% vs +13.54% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFLG or VOO?
AFLG has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: AFLG -35.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both AFLG and VOO?
AFLG and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 AFLG and VOO?
AFLG and VOO share 181 common holdings with a 48.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 539 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFLG or VOO?
AFLG yields 0.70% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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