FARX vs VOO
FARX vs VOO
Frontier Asset Absolute Return 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 | FARX | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $13M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.90% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.64% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.00% | +24.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Frontier Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 19, 2024 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FARX vs VOO Performance
Frontier Asset Absolute Return ETF (FARX) is a ETF from Frontier Asset Management and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FARX returned +18.00% while VOO returned +24.01%. Year to date, FARX is up 8.64% versus a gain of 13.31% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 5.0% for FARX. 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 -5.8% for FARX 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FARX charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FARX currently yields 2.90% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FARX and VOO share 0 holdings out of 517 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, FARX or VOO?
FARX has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FARX or VOO?
Over the past year FARX returned +18.00% vs +24.01% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), FARX annualized +12.42% vs +13.55% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FARX or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 5.0% for FARX. Worst drawdown: FARX -5.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FARX and VOO?
FARX and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FARX and VOO?
FARX and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FARX or VOO?
FARX yields 2.90% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FARX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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