FAS vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: VOOMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFASVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.88%0.03%
AUM$2.4B$979.0B
Dividend Yield9.50%1.09%
Holdings88509
YTD Return+8.42%+13.53%
1Y Return+23.11%+23.65%
3Y Return (annualized)+41.33%+21.27%
5Y Return (annualized)+14.16%+13.52%
Volatility (annualized)57.6%14.1%
Max Drawdown-94.8%-34.3%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 6, 2008Sep 7, 2010

FAS vs VOO Performance

Direxion Daily Financial Bull 3X ETF (FAS) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FAS returned +23.11% while VOO returned +23.65%. Year to date, FAS is up 8.42% versus a gain of 13.53% for VOO.

Over three years, FAS compounded at +41.33% per year against +21.27% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +14.16% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +11.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

FAS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 57.6% 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 -94.8% for FAS 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FAS charges 0.88% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $3 annually, a gap of $85 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAS currently yields 9.50% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

10.0%overlap

FAS and VOO share 73 holdings out of 512 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in FASWeight in VOODifference
JPM8.13%1.26%6.87%
V5.22%0.87%4.35%
MA3.79%0.64%3.15%
BACProProPro
GSProProPro
WFCProProPro
MSProProPro
CProProPro
AXPProProPro
SCHWProProPro
See all 10 holdings FAS shares with VOO
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FAS or VOO?

FAS has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $85 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FAS or VOO?

Over the past year FAS returned +23.11% vs +23.65% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FAS annualized +11.06% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FAS or VOO?

FAS has been the more volatile fund at 57.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FAS -94.8% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both FAS and VOO?

FAS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between FAS and VOO?

FAS and VOO share 73 common holdings with a 10.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, FAS or VOO?

FAS yields 9.50% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FAS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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