LALT vs VOO
LALT vs VOO
First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative 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 | LALT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.18% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $294M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.68% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +8.65% | +13.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.17% | +22.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.53% | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.7% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2023 | Sep 7, 2010 |
LALT vs VOO Performance
First Trust Multi-Strategy Alternative ETF (LALT) 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 LALT returned +16.17% while VOO returned +22.88%. Year to date, LALT is up 8.65% versus a gain of 13.11% for VOO.
Over three years, LALT compounded at +9.53% per year against +21.08% for VOO. Across the full 4-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.54% annualized vs +8.29%. 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 4.7% for LALT. 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 -7.0% for LALT 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 0.35. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LALT charges 1.18% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $118 vs $3 annually, a gap of $115 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LALT currently yields 3.68% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
LALT and VOO share 0 holdings out of 512 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, LALT or VOO?
LALT has an expense ratio of 1.18% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $115 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LALT or VOO?
Over the past year LALT returned +16.17% vs +22.88% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), LALT annualized +8.29% vs +13.54% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LALT or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 4.7% for LALT. Worst drawdown: LALT -7.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both LALT and VOO?
LALT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.35, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LALT and VOO?
LALT and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 512 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LALT or VOO?
LALT yields 3.68% while VOO yields 1.09%, so LALT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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