FTCS vs VOO
FTCS vs VOO
First Trust Capital Strength 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 | FTCS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.8B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.11% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.00% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.02% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.38% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FTCS vs VOO Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) 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 FTCS returned +11.00% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FTCS is up 8.92% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +11.02% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +6.38% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +8.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -54.1% for FTCS 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $3 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.11% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FTCS and VOO share 49 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCS | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 2.28% | 6.59% | 4.31% |
| MSFT | 1.78% | 4.30% | 2.52% |
| GOOGL | 2.08% | 3.25% | 1.17% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MNST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTCS 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, FTCS or VOO?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCS or VOO?
Over the past year FTCS returned +11.00% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), FTCS annualized +8.75% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCS or VOO?
FTCS has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: FTCS -54.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTCS and VOO?
FTCS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCS and VOO?
FTCS and VOO share 49 common holdings with a 17.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or VOO?
FTCS yields 1.11% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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