FAB vs VOO
FAB vs VOO
First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. FAB delivered stronger 1-year returns. FAB offers more diversification with 664 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $168M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.59% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 676 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +19.23% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.92% | +24.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.28% | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.43% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FAB vs VOO Performance
First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FAB) 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 FAB returned +30.92% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, FAB is up 19.23% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.
Over three years, FAB compounded at +14.28% per year against +21.17% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.43% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.55% annualized vs +7.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% 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 -64.3% for FAB 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAB charges 0.66% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $3 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAB currently yields 1.59% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FAB and VOO share 197 holdings out of 972 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FAB | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRK.B | 0.43% | 1.42% | 0.99% |
| XOM | 0.40% | 0.88% | 0.48% |
| CVX | 0.41% | 0.48% | 0.07% |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DIS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FAB 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, FAB or VOO?
FAB has an expense ratio of 0.66% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAB or VOO?
Over the past year FAB returned +30.92% vs +24.01% for VOO, so FAB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FAB annualized +7.35% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAB or VOO?
FAB has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FAB -64.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FAB and VOO?
FAB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAB and VOO?
FAB and VOO share 197 common holdings with a 14.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 972 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAB or VOO?
FAB yields 1.59% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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