FTLS vs IVV
FTLS vs IVV
First Trust Long/Short Equity 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 | FTLS | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.38% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $2.5B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 393 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +6.87% | +13.13% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.10% | +22.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.13% | +21.08% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.17% | +13.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
FTLS vs IVV Performance
First Trust Long/Short Equity ETF (FTLS) 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 FTLS returned +14.10% while IVV returned +22.90%. Year to date, FTLS is up 6.87% versus a gain of 13.13% for IVV.
Over three years, FTLS compounded at +13.13% per year against +21.08% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +10.17% and +13.27% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, FTLS has the edge at +8.60% annualized vs +7.02%. 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 8.7% for FTLS. 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 -20.5% for FTLS 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTLS charges 1.38% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $138 vs $3 annually, a gap of $135 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTLS currently yields 0.90% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTLS and IVV share 171 holdings out of 724 unique holdings combined, representing a 36.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in FTLS | Weight in IVV | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAPL | 6.08% | 7.44% | 1.36% |
| NVDA | 3.44% | 7.76% | 4.32% |
| MSFT | 3.26% | 4.57% | 1.31% |
| GOOGL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMZN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AVGO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| JPM:US | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| META | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BRK.B | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings FTLS 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, FTLS or IVV?
FTLS has an expense ratio of 1.38% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $135 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTLS or IVV?
Over the past year FTLS returned +14.10% vs +22.90% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FTLS annualized +8.60% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTLS or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 8.7% for FTLS. Worst drawdown: FTLS -20.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTLS and IVV?
FTLS and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 FTLS and IVV?
FTLS and IVV share 171 common holdings with a 36.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 724 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTLS or IVV?
FTLS yields 0.90% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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