AFSM vs IVV
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF vs iShares Core S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. AFSM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFSM | IVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $123M | $907.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.51% | 1.10% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 508 | |
| YTD Return | +24.26% | +13.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.42% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.54% | +22.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.08% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.1% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.5% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 4, 2019 | May 15, 2000 |
AFSM vs IVV Performance
First Trust Active Factor Small Cap ETF (AFSM) 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 AFSM returned +31.42% while IVV returned +21.62%. Year to date, AFSM is up 24.26% versus a gain of 13.22% for IVV.
Over three years, AFSM compounded at +19.54% per year against +22.17% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.08% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFSM has the edge at +11.94% annualized vs +7.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFSM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.1% 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 -43.5% for AFSM 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFSM charges 0.75% per year while IVV charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $3 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFSM currently yields 0.51% against 1.10% for IVV.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFSM or IVV?
AFSM has an expense ratio of 0.75% while IVV charges 0.03%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFSM or IVV?
Over the past year AFSM returned +31.42% vs +21.62% for IVV, so AFSM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFSM annualized +11.94% vs +7.02% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFSM or IVV?
AFSM has been the more volatile fund at 22.1% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: AFSM -43.5% vs IVV -56.5%.
Should I hold both AFSM and IVV?
AFSM and IVV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFSM and IVV?
AFSM and IVV share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 836 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFSM or IVV?
AFSM yields 0.51% while IVV yields 1.10%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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