FAB vs IVV
FAB vs IVV
First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FAB delivered stronger 1-year returns. FAB offers more diversification with 664 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FAB | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $168M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.59% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 676 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +19.05% | +11.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.61% | +21.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.53% | +20.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.27% | +13.02% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FAB vs IVV Performance
First Trust Multi Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FAB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FAB returned +31.61% while IVV returned +21.48%. Year to date, FAB is up 19.05% versus a gain of 11.54% for IVV.
Over three years, FAB compounded at +14.53% per year against +20.86% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.27% and +13.02% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FAB has the edge at +7.34% annualized vs +6.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FAB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% compared with 15.1% for IVV. 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 -64.3% for FAB and -56.5% for IVV. 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FAB charges 0.66% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $3 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FAB currently yields 1.59% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FAB and IVV share 200 holdings out of 969 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FAB | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRK.B | 0.43% | 1.39% | 0.96% |
| XOM | 0.40% | 0.97% | 0.57% |
| CVX | 0.41% | 0.55% | 0.14% |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| T | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FAB shares with IVV Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FAB or IVV?
FAB has an expense ratio of 0.66% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FAB or IVV?
Over the past year FAB returned +31.61% vs +21.48% for IVV, so FAB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FAB annualized +7.34% vs +6.97% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FAB or IVV?
FAB has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FAB -64.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FAB and IVV?
FAB and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FAB and IVV?
FAB and IVV share 200 common holdings with a 15.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 969 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FAB or IVV?
FAB yields 1.59% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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