FTA vs IVV
FTA vs IVV
First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. FTA delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTA | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.67% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 189 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +18.43% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.71% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.04% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.20% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.8% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FTA vs IVV Performance
First Trust Large Cap Value AlphaDEX Fund (FTA) 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 FTA returned +31.71% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, FTA is up 18.43% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, FTA compounded at +16.04% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.20% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FTA has the edge at +7.18% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -63.8% for FTA 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTA charges 0.58% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTA currently yields 1.67% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTA and IVV share 173 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTA | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BRK.B | 0.86% | 1.39% | 0.53% |
| XOM | 0.79% | 0.97% | 0.18% |
| CVX | 0.81% | 0.55% | 0.26% |
| T | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| COP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PYPL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ACN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTA 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, FTA or IVV?
FTA has an expense ratio of 0.58% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTA or IVV?
Over the past year FTA returned +31.71% vs +23.70% for IVV, so FTA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FTA annualized +7.18% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTA or IVV?
FTA has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FTA -63.8% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTA and IVV?
FTA and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTA and IVV?
FTA and IVV share 173 common holdings with a 16.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTA or IVV?
FTA yields 1.67% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FTA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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