FTLS vs VOO
FTLS vs VOO
First Trust Long/Short Equity 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 | FTLS | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 393 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +7.28% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.54% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.51% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.29% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2014 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FTLS vs VOO Performance
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) 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 FTLS returned +15.54% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, FTLS is up 7.28% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, FTLS compounded at +13.51% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +10.29% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% annualized vs +8.63%. 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 8.7% for FTLS. 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 -20.5% for FTLS 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTLS charges 1.38% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $3 annually, a gap of $135 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTLS currently yields 0.90% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FTLS and VOO share 170 holdings out of 725 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTLS | Weight in VOO | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 6.08% | 6.59% | 0.51% |
| NVDA | 3.44% | 7.51% | 4.07% |
| MSFT | 3.26% | 4.30% | 1.04% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM:US | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTLS 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, FTLS or VOO?
FTLS has an expense ratio of 1.38% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $135 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTLS or VOO?
Over the past year FTLS returned +15.54% vs +23.71% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FTLS annualized +8.63% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTLS or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 8.7% for FTLS. Worst drawdown: FTLS -20.5% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTLS and VOO?
FTLS and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTLS and VOO?
FTLS and VOO share 170 common holdings with a 36.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 725 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTLS or VOO?
FTLS yields 0.90% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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