Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: IVVMore Diversified: IVV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDDECIVVWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.03%
AUM$428M$865.2B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.09%
Holdings4508
YTD Return+6.89%+13.80%
1Y Return+13.89%+23.70%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.41%+21.49%
5Y Return (annualized)+8.50%+13.43%
Volatility (annualized)6.3%15.1%
Max Drawdown-10.2%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)iShares by BlackRock (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 18, 2020May 15, 2000

DDEC vs IVV Performance

FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - December (DDEC) 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 DDEC returned +13.89% while IVV returned +23.70%. Year to date, DDEC is up 6.89% versus a gain of 13.80% for IVV.

Over three years, DDEC compounded at +12.41% per year against +21.49% for IVV; over five years the annualized figures are +8.50% and +13.43% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DDEC has the edge at +8.64% annualized vs +7.05%. 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 6.3% for DDEC. 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 -10.2% for DDEC 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

DDEC 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, DDEC currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for IVV.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DDEC and IVV share 0 holdings out of 506 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, DDEC or IVV?

DDEC 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, DDEC or IVV?

Over the past year DDEC returned +13.89% vs +23.70% for IVV, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DDEC annualized +8.64% vs +7.05% for IVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DDEC or IVV?

IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 6.3% for DDEC. Worst drawdown: DDEC -10.2% vs IVV -56.5%.

Should I hold both DDEC and IVV?

DDEC 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 DDEC and IVV?

DDEC and IVV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DDEC or IVV?

DDEC yields 0.00% while IVV yields 1.09%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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