FTCS vs IVV
FTCS vs IVV
First Trust Capital Strength 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 | FTCS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $7.8B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.11% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +8.92% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.00% | +23.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.02% | +21.49% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.38% | +13.43% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.6% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.1% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 6, 2006 | May 15, 2000 |
FTCS vs IVV Performance
First Trust Capital Strength ETF (FTCS) 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 FTCS returned +11.00% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, FTCS is up 8.92% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, FTCS compounded at +11.02% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +6.38% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, FTCS has the edge at +8.75% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FTCS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.6% 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 -54.1% for FTCS 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTCS charges 0.52% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $3 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTCS currently yields 1.11% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTCS and IVV share 50 holdings out of 505 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTCS | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 2.28% | 7.44% | 5.16% |
| MSFT | 1.78% | 4.57% | 2.79% |
| GOOGL | 2.08% | 3.15% | 1.07% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| V | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MNST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTCS 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, FTCS or IVV?
FTCS has an expense ratio of 0.52% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTCS or IVV?
Over the past year FTCS returned +11.00% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FTCS annualized +8.75% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTCS or IVV?
FTCS has been the more volatile fund at 15.6% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: FTCS -54.1% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTCS and IVV?
FTCS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 FTCS and IVV?
FTCS and IVV share 50 common holdings with a 17.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 505 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTCS or IVV?
FTCS yields 1.11% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FTCS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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