FT vs IVV
FT vs IVV
Franklin Universal Trust vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
FT has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FT | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $212M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.73% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 704 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +2.46% | +13.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.97% | +23.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.50% | +21.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.08% | +13.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 1988 | May 15, 2000 |
FT vs IVV Performance
Franklin Universal Trust (FT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year FT returned +6.97% while IVV returned +23.63%. Year to date, FT is up 2.46% versus a gain of 13.52% for IVV.
Over three years, FT compounded at +12.50% per year against +21.26% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +6.08% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 26-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +0.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -70.3% for FT 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FT charges 0.00% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $3 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FT currently yields 5.73% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FT and IVV share 26 holdings out of 786 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FT | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 4.74% | 0.28% | 4.46% |
| SRE | 3.81% | 0.09% | 3.72% |
| ETR | 2.82% | 0.08% | 2.74% |
| EVRG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LNT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DUK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CNP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CMS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FT 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, FT or IVV?
FT has an expense ratio of 0.00% while IVV charges 0.03%. FT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FT or IVV?
Over the past year FT returned +6.97% vs +23.63% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (26 years), FT annualized +0.79% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FT or IVV?
FT has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FT -70.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FT and IVV?
FT and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FT and IVV?
FT and IVV share 26 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 786 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FT or IVV?
FT yields 5.73% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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