FTHI vs IVV
FTHI vs IVV
First Trust BuyWrite 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 | FTHI | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.76% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 208 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.53% | +13.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.81% | +23.63% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.76% | +21.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.36% | +13.52% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
FTHI vs IVV Performance
First Trust BuyWrite Income ETF (FTHI) 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 FTHI returned +12.81% while IVV returned +23.63%. Year to date, FTHI is up 6.53% versus a gain of 13.52% for IVV.
Over three years, FTHI compounded at +13.76% per year against +21.26% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.36% and +13.52% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +5.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% compared with 11.5% for FTHI. 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 -35.5% for FTHI 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTHI charges 0.76% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $3 annually, a gap of $73 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTHI currently yields 8.76% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTHI and IVV share 90 holdings out of 583 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTHI | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 8.10% | 7.44% | 0.66% |
| NVDA | 5.63% | 7.76% | 2.13% |
| MSFT | 1.92% | 4.57% | 2.65% |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GOOG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTHI 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, FTHI or IVV?
FTHI has an expense ratio of 0.76% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $73 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTHI or IVV?
Over the past year FTHI returned +12.81% vs +23.63% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTHI annualized +5.03% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTHI or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 11.5% for FTHI. Worst drawdown: FTHI -35.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTHI and IVV?
FTHI and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTHI and IVV?
FTHI and IVV share 90 common holdings with a 46.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTHI or IVV?
FTHI yields 8.76% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FTHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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