FTBI vs IVV
FTBI vs IVV
First Trust Balanced Income ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTBI | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.97% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $21M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.32% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +7.57% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.62% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | May 28, 2025 | May 15, 2000 |
FTBI vs IVV Performance
First Trust Balanced Income ETF (FTBI) 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 FTBI returned +13.62% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, FTBI is up 7.57% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 6.2% for FTBI. 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 -5.3% for FTBI 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
FTBI charges 0.97% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $97 vs $3 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTBI currently yields 7.32% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTBI and IVV share 0 holdings out of 519 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTBI or IVV?
FTBI has an expense ratio of 0.97% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTBI or IVV?
Over the past year FTBI returned +13.62% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FTBI annualized +15.80% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTBI or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.2% for FTBI. Worst drawdown: FTBI -5.3% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTBI and IVV?
FTBI 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 FTBI and IVV?
FTBI and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 519 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTBI or IVV?
FTBI yields 7.32% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FTBI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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