FTCB vs IVV
FTCB vs IVV
First Trust Core Investment Grade 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 | FTCB | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.24% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 721 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | -0.03% | +13.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.38% | +22.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2023 | May 15, 2000 |
FTCB vs IVV Performance
First Trust Core Investment Grade ETF (FTCB) 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 FTCB returned +2.38% while IVV returned +22.90%. Year to date, FTCB is down 0.03% versus a gain of 13.13% for IVV.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 5.1% for FTCB. 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 -5.0% for FTCB 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCB charges 0.56% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $3 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCB currently yields 5.24% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTCB and IVV share 0 holdings out of 836 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, FTCB or IVV?
FTCB has an expense ratio of 0.56% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCB or IVV?
Over the past year FTCB returned +2.38% vs +22.90% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FTCB annualized +5.72% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCB or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 5.1% for FTCB. Worst drawdown: FTCB -5.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTCB and IVV?
FTCB and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTCB and IVV?
FTCB and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 836 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCB or IVV?
FTCB yields 5.24% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FTCB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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