FTCB vs VOO
FTCB vs VOO
First Trust Core Investment Grade 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 | FTCB | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.22% | +13.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.53% | +23.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FTCB vs VOO Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) 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 FTCB returned +2.53% while VOO returned +23.65%. Year to date, FTCB is up 0.22% versus a gain of 13.53% for VOO.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. 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 -5.0% for FTCB 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $3 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and VOO share 0 holdings out of 836 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, FTCB or VOO?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or VOO?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.53% vs +23.65% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.83% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTCB and VOO?
FTCB and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and VOO?
FTCB and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 836 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or VOO?
FTCB yields 5.24% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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