FJP vs. VOO

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

FJP (First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund) and VOO (Vanguard S&P 500 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FJP is a Japan Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Japan Index, while VOO is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FJP returned 8.26%/yr vs 15.77%/yr for VOO. A 0.52 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FJP charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.03%/yr for VOO.

Performance

FJP vs. VOO - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FJP achieves a 18.70% return, which is significantly higher than VOO's 9.75% return. Over the past 10 years, FJP has underperformed VOO with an annualized return of 8.26%, while VOO has yielded a comparatively higher 15.77% annualized return.

FJP

• 1D: 1.09%
• 1M: 4.57%
• YTD: 18.70%
• 6M: 18.90%
• 1Y: 41.47%
• 3Y*: 22.61%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 8.26%

VOO

• 1D: -0.29%
• 1M: 0.08%
• YTD: 9.75%
• 6M: 9.30%
• 1Y: 26.77%
• 3Y*: 21.36%
• 5Y*: 13.58%
• 10Y*: 15.77%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FJP vs. VOO - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FJP First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund	18.70%	33.60%	5.80%	23.00%	-12.83%	-1.13%	3.60%	7.72%	-18.60%	27.63%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	9.75%	17.82%	24.98%	26.32%	-18.17%	28.79%	18.32%	31.37%	-4.50%	21.77%

Correlation

The correlation between FJP and VOO is 0.47, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.47
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.46
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.52
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 26, 2011	0.52

The correlation between FJP and VOO has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.45 to 0.52 - a consistent structural relationship.

FJP vs. VOO - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FJP	VOO
Industrials	43.7%	7.6%
Consumer Cyclical	12.4%	9.8%
Technology	10.7%	39.1%
Basic Materials	10.4%	1.7%
Utilities	5.7%	2.5%
Financial Services	5.5%	10.9%
Energy	3.4%	3.2%
Healthcare	3.4%	8.3%
Real Estate	3.1%	1.8%
Communication Services	1.0%	10.5%
Consumer Defensive	0.8%	4.5%

Return for Risk

FJP vs. VOO — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FJP

FJP Risk / Return Rank: 58
FJP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
FJP Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
FJP Omega Ratio Rank: 59
FJP Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
FJP Martin Ratio Rank: 50

VOO

VOO Risk / Return Rank: 68
VOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 70
VOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 67
VOO Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 63
VOO Martin Ratio Rank: 74

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FJP vs. VOO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FJP	VOO	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.00	2.17	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.71	2.93	-0.22
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.39	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.89	3.02	-0.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.46	13.58	-5.12

FJP vs. VOO - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FJP Sharpe Ratio is 2.00, which is comparable to the VOO Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FJP and VOO, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FJP vs. VOO - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FJP drawdown since its inception was -41.51%, which is greater than VOO's maximum drawdown of -33.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FJP and VOO.

Drawdown Indicators

	FJP	VOO	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.51%	-33.99%	-7.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.43%	-8.90%	-5.53%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.02%	-18.69%	+1.67%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-31.88%	-24.52%	-7.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.51%	-33.99%	-7.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.72%	-1.74%	-0.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.44%	-3.68%	-7.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.92%	1.98%	+2.94%

Volatility

FJP vs. VOO - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund (FJP) has a higher volatility of 7.12% compared to Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) at 4.60%. This indicates that FJP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VOO based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FJP	VOO	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.12%	4.60%	+2.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.54%	9.73%	+7.81%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.92%	12.39%	+8.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.48%	16.90%	+3.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.91%	18.05%	+0.86%

FJP vs. VOO - Expense Ratio Comparison

FJP has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than VOO's 0.03% expense ratio.

Dividends

FJP vs. VOO - Dividend Comparison

FJP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.40%, more than VOO's 1.04% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FJP First Trust Japan AlphaDEX Fund	2.40%	2.68%	3.18%	3.49%	2.21%	2.43%	0.99%	2.80%	1.54%	1.29%	1.46%	0.85%
VOO Vanguard S&P 500 ETF	1.04%	1.13%	1.24%	1.46%	1.69%	1.25%	1.54%	1.88%	2.06%	1.78%	2.02%	2.10%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FJP and VOO in my portfolio?

FJP and VOO have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FJP or VOO?

FJP has higher volatility (7.12%) compared to VOO (4.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FJP dropped -41.51% vs VOO's -33.99%.

Which ETF is better, FJP or VOO?

On 10-year performance, VOO leads with 15.77% vs 8.26% for FJP. On fees, VOO is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VOO has been the lower-risk option at 4.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FJP or VOO?

Over the 10-year period, VOO has performed better with a 15.77% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FJP or VOO?

VOO is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FJP.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FJP or VOO?

FJP has the higher dividend yield at 2.40%, compared with 1.04% for VOO.

What is the main difference between FJP and VOO?

FJP is categorized as Japan Equities, while VOO is S&P 500. FJP tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Japan Index, while VOO tracks S&P 500 Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FJP and 0.03% for VOO.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VOO currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 2.00), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.