MMSC vs VOO

Quick Verdict

VOO has a lower expense ratio. MMSC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: VOOHigher Returns: MMSCMore Diversified: VOO

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMMSCVOOWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.03%
AUM$51M$979.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings202509
YTD Return+17.27%+13.53%
1Y Return+35.52%+23.65%
3Y Return (annualized)+20.84%+21.27%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.52%
Volatility (annualized)21.5%14.1%
Max Drawdown-40.8%-34.3%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionOct 13, 2021Sep 7, 2010

MMSC vs VOO Performance

First Trust Multi-Manager Small Cap Opportunities ETF (MMSC) 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 MMSC returned +35.52% while VOO returned +23.65%. Year to date, MMSC is up 17.27% versus a gain of 13.53% for VOO.

Over three years, MMSC compounded at +20.84% per year against +21.27% for VOO. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% annualized vs +7.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MMSC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.5% compared with 14.1% for VOO. 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 -40.8% for MMSC 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MMSC charges 0.95% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $3 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MMSC currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.

Holdings Overlap

0.3%overlap

MMSC and VOO share 7 holdings out of 706 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in MMSCWeight in VOODifference
BLDR1.34%0.01%1.33%
COHR0.58%0.12%0.46%
LITE0.47%0.10%0.37%
TECHProProPro
GNRCProProPro
PODDProProPro
CIENProProPro
See all 7 holdings MMSC shares with VOO
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MMSC or VOO?

MMSC has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MMSC or VOO?

Over the past year MMSC returned +35.52% vs +23.65% for VOO, so MMSC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), MMSC annualized +7.18% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MMSC or VOO?

MMSC has been the more volatile fund at 21.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: MMSC -40.8% vs VOO -34.3%.

Should I hold both MMSC and VOO?

MMSC and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MMSC and VOO?

MMSC and VOO share 7 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 706 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MMSC or VOO?

MMSC yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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