FTC vs IVV
FTC vs IVV
First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund 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 | FTC | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.18% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 188 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +13.63% | +13.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.77% | +23.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.17% | +21.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.37% | +13.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 8, 2007 | May 15, 2000 |
FTC vs IVV Performance
First Trust Large Cap Growth AlphaDEX Fund (FTC) 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 FTC returned +17.77% while IVV returned +23.63%. Year to date, FTC is up 13.63% versus a gain of 13.52% for IVV.
Over three years, FTC compounded at +22.17% per year against +21.26% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.37% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, FTC has the edge at +10.03% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -54.5% for FTC 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTC 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, FTC currently yields 0.18% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTC and IVV share 137 holdings out of 555 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTC | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVDA | 0.56% | 7.76% | 7.20% |
| AAPL | 0.60% | 7.44% | 6.84% |
| AMZN | 0.56% | 3.75% | 3.19% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LLY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTC 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, FTC or IVV?
FTC 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, FTC or IVV?
Over the past year FTC returned +17.77% vs +23.63% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), FTC annualized +10.03% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTC or IVV?
FTC has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FTC -54.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTC and IVV?
FTC and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between FTC and IVV?
FTC and IVV share 137 common holdings with a 26.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 555 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTC or IVV?
FTC yields 0.18% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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