FTSM vs IVV
FTSM vs IVV
First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity 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 | FTSM | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $6.5B | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.14% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 634 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +1.72% | +13.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.54% | +24.00% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.67% | +21.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.52% | +13.34% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.2% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 5, 2014 | May 15, 2000 |
FTSM vs IVV Performance
First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM) 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 FTSM returned +3.54% while IVV returned +24.00%. Year to date, FTSM is up 1.72% versus a gain of 13.31% for IVV.
Over three years, FTSM compounded at +4.67% per year against +21.16% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +3.52% and +13.34% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +1.46%. 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 1.2% for FTSM. 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 -5.4% for FTSM 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTSM charges 0.29% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $3 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTSM currently yields 4.14% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
FTSM and IVV share 0 holdings out of 896 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, FTSM or IVV?
FTSM has an expense ratio of 0.29% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTSM or IVV?
Over the past year FTSM returned +3.54% vs +24.00% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), FTSM annualized +1.46% vs +7.03% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTSM or IVV?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 1.2% for FTSM. Worst drawdown: FTSM -5.4% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTSM and IVV?
FTSM and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTSM and IVV?
FTSM and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 896 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTSM or IVV?
FTSM yields 4.14% while IVV yields 1.09%, so FTSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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