LGOV vs VOO
LGOV vs VOO
First Trust Long Duration Opportunities 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 | LGOV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $622M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.25% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 163 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -1.53% | +11.51% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.02% | +21.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.33% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.72% | +13.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.9% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.0% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2019 | Sep 7, 2010 |
LGOV vs VOO Performance
First Trust Long Duration Opportunities ETF (LGOV) 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 LGOV returned +1.02% while VOO returned +21.46%. Year to date, LGOV is down 1.53% versus a gain of 11.51% for VOO.
Over three years, LGOV compounded at +3.33% per year against +20.86% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -2.72% and +13.01% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.44% annualized vs +0.03%. 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 8.9% for LGOV. 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 -33.0% for LGOV 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LGOV charges 0.49% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $3 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LGOV currently yields 4.25% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
LGOV and VOO share 0 holdings out of 605 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, LGOV or VOO?
LGOV has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LGOV or VOO?
Over the past year LGOV returned +1.02% vs +21.46% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), LGOV annualized +0.03% vs +13.44% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LGOV or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 8.9% for LGOV. Worst drawdown: LGOV -33.0% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both LGOV and VOO?
LGOV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LGOV and VOO?
LGOV and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LGOV or VOO?
LGOV yields 4.25% while VOO yields 1.09%, so LGOV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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