AFGR vs IVV
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth 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 | AFGR | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $91M | $865.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 76 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +7.37% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.10% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.44% | +21.77% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.72% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 20, 2020 | May 15, 2000 |
AFGR vs IVV Performance
First Trust Active Factor Large Cap Growth ETF (AFGR) 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 AFGR returned +10.10% while IVV returned +23.01%. Year to date, AFGR is up 7.37% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.
Over three years, AFGR compounded at +21.44% per year against +21.77% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +6.72% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, AFGR has the edge at +11.22% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -46.0% for AFGR 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
AFGR charges 0.85% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $3 annually, a gap of $82 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFGR currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
AFGR and IVV share 55 holdings out of 525 unique holdings combined, representing a 42.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFGR or IVV?
AFGR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $82 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFGR or IVV?
Over the past year AFGR returned +10.10% vs +23.01% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), AFGR annualized +11.22% vs +7.04% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFGR or IVV?
AFGR has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: AFGR -46.0% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AFGR and IVV?
AFGR 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 AFGR and IVV?
AFGR and IVV share 55 common holdings with a 42.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 525 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFGR or IVV?
AFGR yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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