FT vs VOO
FT vs VOO
Franklin Universal Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
FT has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $212M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.73% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 704 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +2.08% | +11.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.56% | +21.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.28% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.71% | +13.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 1988 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FT vs VOO Performance
Franklin Universal Trust (FT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FT returned +6.56% while VOO returned +21.46%. Year to date, FT is up 2.08% versus a gain of 11.51% for VOO.
Over three years, FT compounded at +12.28% per year against +20.86% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +5.71% and +13.01% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.44% annualized vs +0.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -70.3% for FT 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FT charges 0.00% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FT currently yields 5.73% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FT and VOO share 26 holdings out of 786 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FT | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 4.74% | 0.28% | 4.46% |
| SRE | 3.81% | 0.09% | 3.72% |
| ETR | 2.82% | 0.08% | 2.74% |
| EVRG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LNT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DUK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CMS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FT 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, FT or VOO?
FT has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VOO charges 0.03%. FT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FT or VOO?
Over the past year FT returned +6.56% vs +21.46% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FT annualized +0.78% vs +13.44% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FT or VOO?
FT has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FT -70.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FT and VOO?
FT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FT and VOO?
FT and VOO share 26 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FT or VOO?
FT yields 5.73% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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