FTHI vs VOO
FTHI vs VOO
First Trust BuyWrite Income 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 | FTHI | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.76% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 208 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +6.53% | +13.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.81% | +23.65% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.76% | +21.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.36% | +13.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FTHI vs VOO Performance
First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF (FTHI) 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 FTHI returned +12.81% while VOO returned +23.65%. Year to date, FTHI is up 6.53% versus a gain of 13.53% for VOO.
Over three years, FTHI compounded at +13.76% per year against +21.27% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.36% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +5.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 11.5% for FTHI. 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 -35.5% for FTHI 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTHI charges 0.76% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $3 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTHI currently yields 8.76% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FTHI and VOO share 90 holdings out of 583 unique holdings combined, representing a 45.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTHI | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 8.10% | 6.59% | 1.51% |
| NVDA | 5.63% | 7.51% | 1.88% |
| MSFT | 1.92% | 4.30% | 2.38% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GEV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTHI 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, FTHI or VOO?
FTHI has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTHI or VOO?
Over the past year FTHI returned +12.81% vs +23.65% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTHI annualized +5.03% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTHI or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 11.5% for FTHI. Worst drawdown: FTHI -35.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTHI and VOO?
FTHI and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTHI and VOO?
FTHI and VOO share 90 common holdings with a 45.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTHI or VOO?
FTHI yields 8.76% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FTHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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