FTSD vs VOO
FTSD vs VOO
Franklin Short Duration US Government 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 | FTSD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $302M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.54% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 342 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +0.97% | +13.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.17% | +22.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.81% | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.52% | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.3% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2013 | Sep 7, 2010 |
FTSD vs VOO Performance
Franklin Short Duration US Government ETF (FTSD) 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 FTSD returned +3.17% while VOO returned +22.88%. Year to date, FTSD is up 0.97% versus a gain of 13.11% for VOO.
Over three years, FTSD compounded at +4.81% per year against +21.08% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +2.52% and +13.26% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.54% annualized vs +0.59%. 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 1.3% for FTSD. 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 -9.8% for FTSD 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTSD charges 0.25% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $3 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTSD currently yields 4.54% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
FTSD and VOO share 0 holdings out of 544 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, FTSD or VOO?
FTSD has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTSD or VOO?
Over the past year FTSD returned +3.17% vs +22.88% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTSD annualized +0.59% vs +13.54% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTSD or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 1.3% for FTSD. Worst drawdown: FTSD -9.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both FTSD and VOO?
FTSD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTSD and VOO?
FTSD and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 544 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTSD or VOO?
FTSD yields 4.54% while VOO yields 1.09%, so FTSD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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